Hypoglycemia and Ketoacidosis

Since enough people have asked, here are the explanation and symptoms of hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis, possible side-effects of going on the ketogenic diet as taken from the Charlie Foundation's pamphlet Ketogenic Diet Parents' Guide.

Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is when your child's blood sugar drops to a very low level. The symptoms your child may have include:

• Pale Skin
• Sweaty forehead
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness
• Sick stomach (nausea)
• Extreme sleepiness

Treatment: Give your child 15mL of apple juice. The above symptoms should improve within minutes. Call your ketogenic team if symptoms persist.

Excess Ketosis (Ketoacidosis)
Excess ketosis is when your child's body is making too many ketones. The ketone urine test strips will change rapidly to the highest color for ketones (large). The symptoms your child may have include:

• Facial flushing
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Vomiting
• Sick stomach (nausea)
• Extreme sleepiness

Treatment: Give your child 30mL of apple juice. If the symptoms persist after 20 minutes, give your child another 30mL of apple juice, then call your pediatrician. If you are unable to reach your doctor, take your child to the emergency room. An intravenous drip may be needed to correct the excessive ketosis.