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Signs of Hypoglycemia in Neonates

Glucose is the primary source of fuel for the brain and is also essential for other bodily functions. During pregnancy, glucose is transferred to the unborn baby through the placenta, and some is stored in the fetal liver, heart and muscles. This storage supplies the baby's brain with glucose during delivery and shortly afterward. Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, can cause serious problems in neonates if the condition is severe or prolonged. About two of every 1,000 newborn babies develop hypoglycemia, according to Children's Hospital Boston.

  1. Considerations

    • Some infants with hypoglycemia may not show any symptoms, or the symptoms may not be obvious. Because many of the symptoms are common in other conditions, hypoglycemia may not be suspected until it becomes serious. Additionally, different neonates with hypoglycemia may have different symptoms.

    Common Signs

    • Newborns with hypoglycemia might show signs of poor muscle tone and tremors. They may be jittery or lethargic, make a high-pitched cry, and have an exaggerated startle reflex (Moro reflex). They also may have difficulty sucking or may even refuse to feed.

    Serious Signs

    • More serious hypoglycemia effects in neonates can occur, especially if the episode is severe or prolonged. These include bluish skin, which is a sign of low oxygen levels; breathing cessation (apnea) or other signs of respiratory distress; low body temperature; seizures and coma.

    Risk Factors

    • Some babies are more at risk for hypoglycemia than others. These include infants born to diabetic mothers or to mothers who had inadequate nutrition during pregnancy, and babies born in very cold conditions. Neonates who are small for their gestational age, have severe hemolytic disease or liver disease, or have certain types of birth defects are also at higher risk. Premature infants are at increased risk as well, especially those with low birth weight.

    Treatment

    • Treatment involves administering a rapid-acting glucose source, which may be a mixture of glucose and water or formula in a bottle, or an intravenous administration of glucose. The neonate's glucose levels then are monitored for potential further episodes of hypoglycemia.

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