Neonatal hypoglycemia occurs when a baby's blood glucose level is abnormally low. Glucose is the brain and body's primary source of energy, so maintaining stable glucose levels is critical for normal body functions.
This condition is potentially serious and dangerous if not treated quickly. How do you treat hypoglycemia in infants?
Is hypoglycemia in newborns normal?
Hypoglycemia is actually common in newborns. Some babies may experience a drop in blood sugar levels within hours of their birth. This occurs because newborns typically experience changes in the production and regulation of insulin and glucose hormones after separating from the placenta.
Most babies recover on their own and have no long-term complications. However, in some babies, blood glucose levels can fall too low, potentially causing neurological disorders, brain damage, developmental issues, respiratory distress, or reactive hypoglycemia in the future.
Treatment of hypoglycemia in newborn
The treatment of hypoglycemia in newborns is determined by a variety of factors, including the severity and health of the baby. Here are some common methods for treating hypoglycemia in newborns:
Feeding
Mild hypoglycemia in newborns can usually be treated with glucose or other carbohydrate-containing foods or beverages. This could include breast milk, formula, or an oral glucose solution
Glucose infusion
In more severe cases, the baby may require an intravenous glucose infusion. This is done if the baby's blood glucose level is extremely low or if the baby is unable to absorb glucose from oral feeding.
Monitor the baby's glucose levels
Monitoring glucose levels in infants with hypoglycemia is critical. Doctors must continue to monitor the baby's blood glucose levels on a regular basis to ensure that they remain stable and do not drop back to dangerous levels.
A blood sample from the baby is used to check their glucose levels. The sample is then analyzed with a blood glucose meter, which provides the glucose level in the baby's blood. This monitoring is necessary because low glucose levels can have serious consequences for the baby.
Some babies may require long-term monitoring to ensure that blood glucose levels remain stable and that there are no other health issues associated with hypoglycemia. You may also need to see a pediatrician or endocrinologist about this issue.
Babies suffering from hypoglycemia can fully recover, grow, and develop normally with proper treatment and close monitoring. If you have other questions regarding hypoglycemia or other baby health problems, you can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Babies suffering from hypoglycemia can fully recover, grow, and develop normally with proper treatment and close monitoring. If you have other questions regarding hypoglycemia or other baby health problems, you can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Nadia Opmalina