Pediatric Diabetes: Interpreting a Blood Glucose of 160 mg/dL

For a 10-year-old with diabetes, 160 mg/dL (8.9 mmol/L) is above target but context matters:

• Preprandial target: 80–130 mg/dL (ADA) or 90–130 mg/dL (ISPAD).
• Postprandial (1–2 hr): <180 mg/dL (ADA) or <160 mg/dL (ISPAD).
• Bedtime/overnight: 90–150 mg/dL (ADA) or 90–140 mg/dL (ISPAD).

If fasting/pre-meal: adjust basal insulin or dinner bolus. If post-meal: assess carb counting, bolus timing, insulin-to-carb ratio.

Action: Review CGM/trends; contact diabetes team for pattern management. Do not adjust based on single value. Avoid over-correction → hypoglycemia.