What is a common complication associated with untreated hypoglycemia in children?

Seizures are a common and serious complication associated with untreated hypoglycemia in children. When blood glucose levels drop significantly, the brain, which relies on glucose as its primary energy source, can become deprived of necessary fuels. This deprivation may lead to neurological symptoms, including altered consciousness, lethargy, and, in more severe cases, seizures.

Hypoglycemia can result from various factors, such as missed meals, excessive physical activity, or inappropriate insulin administration in children with diabetes. If not addressed promptly, the stabilization of blood glucose levels is crucial to prevent further neurological deterioration and possible long-term consequences.

Other complications, although related to hypoglycemia, do not represent the immediate dangers that seizures do. For instance, while hyperactivity and increased appetite may be behavioral responses to fluctuating blood sugar levels, they do not signify the acute threat that seizures pose. Slow growth can occur over time with chronic hypoglycemia but is not an immediate complication that arises from a single hypoglycemic episode, making seizures the most concerning in the context of untreated hypoglycemia.