Hypoglycaemia in children is defined as a blood glucose concentration of less than 3 mmol/l. Severe diarrhoea, especially in malnourished children who refuse feeds or have severe vomiting, may cause hypoglycaemia. This can result in loss of consciousness or convulsions. Hypoglycaemia must always be suspected in children with diarrhoea who have fits or a decreased level of consciousness.

Hypoglycaemia is a very serious complication that requires urgent diagnosis and immediate treatment with intravenous glucose. Hypoglycaemia can be confirmed by measuring the blood glucose concentration with a reagent strip.