Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
During your child's visit to the ED, the doctor found their blood sugar level was high. This is called "hyperglycemia."
Many things can cause high blood sugar in children. Some are serious things like diabetes or an infection. Less serious things like stress or certain medicines can also cause high blood sugar.
The doctors think your child's high blood sugar is not an immediate danger. You can manage their symptoms at home. But it is important to follow up with their regular doctor.
You might be waiting on your child's test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment.
●Help your child take all their medicines as instructed.
●Offer your child water whenever they are thirsty. Water helps remove the extra sugar from their blood. Avoid sugary drinks like fruit juice, sports drinks, and soda.
●If the doctor gave your child an eating plan, help them try to follow it. You can also work with a food expert (called a "dietitian").
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if your child:
•Has a seizure
•Passes out
•Has so much trouble breathing they can only say 1 or 2 words at a time
•Needs to sit upright to breathe, or cannot lie down
•Is very tired from working to catch their breath
•Has a dry mouth and fruity-smelling breath
●Return to the ED if your child:
•Has belly pain, nausea, or vomiting
•Feels weak, like they are going to fall
•Feels like their heart is beating very fast
•Is urinating more than normal
•Is losing weight
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if your child has:
●A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills, for more than 1 day
●Trouble thinking clearly
●Blurry vision or trouble seeing
●Symptoms of high blood sugar more frequently
●New or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Type 1 diabetes in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Checking your child's blood sugar level (The Basics)
Patient education: Type 1 diabetes: Overview (Beyond the Basics)
