Hyperglycemia in pediatric patients can result in which conditions?

• A. Severe dehydration and diabetic ketoacidosis
• B. Hypertension and stroke
• C. Anemia and iron overload
• D. Seizure and meningitis

Answer: (A)

High blood glucose in children causes the kidneys to excrete excess glucose, pulling water with it. This osmotic diuresis leads to significant dehydration and electrolyte losses. If insulin is deficient, the body can’t use glucose for energy and begins breaking down fat, producing ketones and causing metabolic acidosis—diabetic ketoacidosis. So, severe dehydration from fluid loss and the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis are the typical consequences of hyperglycemia in pediatric patients. Hypertension, stroke, anemia, iron overload, seizures, or meningitis are not direct, common results of hyperglycemia in this context.