Hypoglycemia in Newborns
Neonatal hypoglycemia occurs when a newborn has low blood sugar levels in the first few days after birth. It occurs in about 1-3 out of every 1,000 births. A normal blood sugar level, also known as glucose, is crucial for a baby’s energy and brain development. Severe or prolonged hypoglycemia may result in seizures and serious brain injury.
During pregnancy, the baby gets all nutrients, including glucose from the mother, through the umbilical cord in a constant stream. At birth, the umbilical cord is clamped then cut effectively removing the baby’s source of nutrients. Most babies have glucose stored in the liver, which helps maintain a normal blood sugar until the baby begins to nurse. Colostrum, the very early milk produced by a mother is very high in glucose. Some babies have difficulty producing enough glucose to maintain their blood sugar levels prior to nursing.
Glucose levels can drop if there is too much insulin in the blood, if the body is not producing enough glucose, if it is using more than can be produced, and if the baby is not feeding enough to keep the glucose levels up.
For example, low glucose levels are more common for infants who:
Were born prematurely or are under significant stress such as having difficulty breathing or when they are battling an infection. The premature liver does not have adequate glucose stores to support a normal blood sugar for long if at all. The stressed newborn metabolizes glucose faster than a healthy full term baby.
Have a mother with diabetes due to over production of insulin.
Have low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
Had poor growth in the womb again because the liver did not adequately store glucose prior to delivery.
Infants with low blood sugar don’t always show symptoms. But nurses and doctors know to check blood sugars in high-risk babies. If there are symptoms, they may include:
Bluish-colored or pale skin
Breathing problems, such as pauses in breathing (apnea), rapid breathing, or a grunting sound
Irritability or listlessness
Loose or floppy muscles
Poor feeding or vomiting
Problems keeping the body warm
Tremors, shakiness, sweating, or seizures
Infants with low blood sugar levels will need to receive extra feedings with breast milk or formula. The baby may also need a sugar solution given intravenously if he or she is unable to eat by mouth, or if the blood sugar is very low. For the great majority of babies, hypoglycemia resolves quickly once the baby begins to nurse.
Sources:
- National Institutes of Health
- Low Blood Sugar: Newborns.
Yale School of Medicine - Hypoglycemia in the Newborn.
Stanford School of Medicine - Hypoglycemia.
Boston Children’s Hospital - Hypoglycemia and Low Blood Sugar.
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