8. Hypoglycemia: The Sugar Imbalance
Children with Addison’s may experience episodes of hypoglycemia, a drop in blood sugar that can leave them shaky, sweaty, and confused. It can strike out of nowhere, turning a normal day into a frightening ordeal.
This symptom can come on suddenly, with a child becoming pale and clammy. They might complain of feeling shaky or dizzy. In the classroom, this can look like a sudden drop in energy, a head-down on the desk, or an inability to focus.
Hypoglycemia is treacherous because it can be mistaken for a host of other issues, from not eating breakfast to a virus. The truth, however, is that their cortisol deficiency is impacting their body’s ability to manage glucose levels effectively.
It’s crucial to recognize these episodes for what they are. They’re not just ‘off’ days or the result of a missed snack. They’re signs that a child’s adrenal system isn’t regulating their blood sugar as it should, and they need more than just a quick sugar fix.
In the following sections, we will continue to unravel the remaining symptoms that complete the complex picture of Addison’s Disease in children, each aspect revealing the multifaceted nature of this condition. (8)
