Normal Fasting Plasma Glucose for a 4-Year-Old Child
The normal fasting plasma glucose level for a 4-year-old child is 70-100 mg/dL (3.9-5.6 mmol/L). 1
Normal Range and Clinical Thresholds
Fasting glucose between 70-100 mg/dL (3.9-5.6 mmol/L) is considered normal for healthy children, including 4-year-olds 1
Values below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) indicate Level 1 hypoglycemia and require attention 1
Values below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) indicate Level 2 hypoglycemia and require immediate action 1
Values below 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) represent severe hypoglycemia and constitute a medical emergency 1
Abnormal Glucose Levels in Young Children
Elevated Fasting Glucose
Fasting glucose of 100-125 mg/dL (5.6-6.9 mmol/L) indicates impaired fasting glucose (prediabetes) and warrants further evaluation 2, 1
Fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) on two separate occasions meets diagnostic criteria for diabetes 2, 1
Any fasting glucose above 100 mg/dL should prompt gradual weight loss management (if excess weight is present), decreased calorie intake, and increased physical activity 2
Important Clinical Considerations
By 72 hours of age, fasting blood glucose levels in children reach normal infant, child, and adult values of 3.5-5.5 mmol/L (63-99 mg/dL), which remain stable throughout childhood 3
Postprandial glucose measurements (taken 1-2 hours after meals) should not exceed 140 mg/dL in healthy children 1
The renal threshold for glucose is >180 mg/dL, meaning any glucose detected in urine is abnormal and warrants blood glucose confirmation 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not dismiss borderline-elevated fasting glucose (89-99 mg/dL) as entirely normal, as research shows that even high-normal fasting glucose within the normoglycemic range is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk factors in children, independent of obesity 4
Stress hyperglycemia can occur in young children with acute illness and does not necessarily indicate diabetes; consultation with a pediatric endocrinologist is indicated rather than immediately diagnosing diabetes 1
Blood gas analyzers with glucose modules provide the most accurate measurements in young children, superior to handheld glucose meters 1