Impaired Fasting Glucose: How to Care for Your Child

Children with impaired fasting glucose are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes. By increasing their physical activity and eating a healthy diet, most kids can reduce this risk.

Glucose (a type of sugar) is the body's major source of energy. Our bodies break down food into glucose and other nutrients, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract. A hormone called insulin works like a key to "open" cells so glucose can enter them.

In kids with impaired fasting glucose, insulin starts losing its ability to "unlock" the cells. Glucose still gets into the cells, but not as efficiently as it should. As a result, the level of glucose in the blood is higher than normal.

Impaired fasting glucose is diagnosed by taking a blood sample after a child has fasted overnight (not eaten for at least 8 hours). Normally, a child's fasting blood glucose should be less than 100 mg/dL. Levels of 100–125 indicate impaired fasting glucose (levels higher than this indicate diabetes). If impaired fasting glucose is diagnosed, health care providers usually will then order an oral glucose tolerance test to rule out diabetes.

Health care providers often order the fasting glucose test for kids who are overweight or have other risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes (such as a family history of diabetes or being from certain ethnic groups). A person with impaired fasting glucose doesn't feel ill, but symptoms appear if the problem progresses to diabetes.

By managing their weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly, most kids with impaired fasting glucose can avoid diabetes.

• If your child is overweight, follow the weight-loss plan prescribed by your health care provider.

• Limit the amount of fat and sugary foods and drinks in your child's diet.

• Serve whole grains, vegetables, and other fiber-rich foods.

• Encourage your child to get at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) of aerobic exercise spread throughout week.

• Your child should visit the health care provider for diabetes screening every 1–2 years.

Your child has symptoms of possible diabetes:

• Excessive thirst.

• Urinating often or in large amounts.

• Unexplained weight loss.

Your child:

• Develops unexplained stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

• Has deep, rapid breathing.

• Shows extreme drowsiness or confusion, or becomes unconscious.