September 6th - Neonatal Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia - This condition occurs when a neonate has low levels of blood sugar. Glucose blood levels can drop in neonates for the following reason: 

• There is too much insulin in the blood (hyperinsulinism). Insulin is a hormone that pulls glucose from the blood.
• The baby is not producing enough glucose.
• The baby's body is using more glucose than is being produced.
• The baby is not able to feed enough to keep glucose levels up.

Infants with low blood sugar levels will need to receive extra feedings with breast milk or formula. Babies who are breast-fed may need to receive extra formula until the mother is able to produce enough breast milk. The baby may need a sugar solution given through a vein (intravenously) if he or she is unable to eat by mouth, or if the blood sugar is very low. Learn more at NIH.

All information retrieved from the NIH