Blood Glucose Levels
Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential for children with Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI). This page explains how blood glucose is measured, why levels above 3.5 mmol/L are critical, and how CGMs and Flash monitors can support daily management. Most children with CHI will require their blood glucose to be monitored to ensure the child is not going hypoglycaemic. The individual’s blood glucose monitoring requirements and emergency hypoglycaemic protocol should be detailed in an individual care plan from their specialist team and it is vital that this is adhered to. Blood glucose monitoring helps to detect patterns too such as illness, stress, poor feeding, hormonal changes etc. all which can influence blood glucose readings and it’s important to be aware of this. A common method is by using a blood glucose monitor and lancing device. This gives a snapshot of what the blood glucose level is at that moment in time. Many children with CHI become used to this method as it becomes a part of their daily routine although for some it can be stressful.
More recently, we have seen the adoption of monitoring blood glucose with a CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor), or Flash monitor. These are small devices worn just below the skin that measure glucose continually throughout the day and night. CGM devices alert you to hypoglycaemic episodes via the receiver, whilst Flash monitors require you to scan your device over the sensor for measurement. Flash glucose monitor or CGMs measure the amount of sugar in the fluid surrounding your cells. This is called interstitial fluid. It’s not quite as accurate as a finger prick test as it lags behind blood sugar levels by up to 15 minutes. And the difference between the blood sugar and CGM or flash reading is more likely to be greater when you’re eating or exercising. You may therefore also need to do finger prick tests. Measuring GlycoMode Blood Glucose Support Glucose - Why is it important to keep levels above 3.5mmol/l ? A blood glucose level less than 3.5mmol/l is considered as hypoglycaemia in babies and children with CHI. CHI is particularly damaging because apart from hypoglycaemia, the insulin suppresses the release of alternative fuels called ketones. Hence the brain is deprived of both glucose and ketones. Once the brain cells are deprived of these important fuels, they cannot make the energy they need to work and may result in seizures and coma.
Maybe you’re a fan of spicy foods and always reach for the red chili pepper flakes at the pizza parlour or ask for your curries extra hot when you get takeout. Maybe you’re afraid of anything with an extra kick. The idea of cayenne pepper may make your mouth totally water and stomach growl, or it may make you want to run and hide, but it cannot be denied that cayenne has wonderful health benefits. A cayenne shot every day can do wonders for your body and overall health. It’s bursting with vitamins and antioxidants and is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, and anti-fungal agent. The magic of cayenne doesn’t stop there. Here at Pure Green (the fastest-growing juice bar franchise), we are fans of a daily cayenne juice shot, and here’s why you should be too. Cayenne pepper is a popular spice used in cooking, but that’s not its sole purpose.
It also has wonderful medicinal properties and uses, making it a great addition to any diet. Cayenne comes from a shrub that is native to Central and South America. It is now widely grown in subtropical and tropical climates around the world. This shrub grows a hollow fruit that we know as the cayenne chili pepper. It is a long pod that can be red, orange, or yellow. People have been eating cayenne peppers as early as 7000 BC. Scientists have found seeds on the floors of ancient caves and dwellings, as well as in fossilized feces. Cayenne is one of the staples in the diet of the Hunzas in Asia. Many of these people live to over one hundred years old, and they swear by the cayenne pepper. They consume the pepper daily and prize them for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. There are so many more benefits to the cayenne pepper though, and we’re here to tell you all about them.