Neonatal hypoglycemia
| Neonatal Hypoglycemia | |
|---|---|
| Causes | Hyperinsulinism, limited glycogen stores, increases glucose use, decreased gluconeogenesis, depleted glycogen stores |
| Risk factors | Maternal-Gestational diabetes, eclampsia, drug use. Neonate- small for gestational age, inadequate feeding, respiratory distress |
| Diagnostic method | Blood sample |
| Treatment | 40% dextrose gel, 10% dextrose influsion, early breastfeeding |
Neonatal hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar in newborn babies, occurs when an infant's blood glucose level is below normal. Diagnostic thresholds vary internationally. In the US, hypoglycemia is when the blood glucose level is below 30 mg/dL within the first 24 hours of life and below 45 mg/dL after, but international standards differ. The newborn's age, birth weight, metabolic needs, and wellness state substantially impact their blood glucose level. This is a treatable condition, but its treatment depends on the cause of the hypoglycemia. Though it is treatable, it can be fatal if gone undetected. Among metabolic problems in newborns, hypoglycemia is the most prevalent.
Neonatal hypoglycemia is hypothesized to occur in 1 to 3 births out of every 1,000 births, but the true number is not known since there is no international standard for measurement. It often occurs in premature and small babies and babies of diabetic mothers.