Low blood sugar in newborns is also known as neonatal hypoglycemia. It is  a condition in which a newborn has low blood sugar in the first few days after birth. It is normal for a newborn to have low blood sugar right after delivery. However it gets back to normal after feeding the baby formula or breast milk. If blood sugar remains low after feeding, the baby may need treatment.
 

 

What causes low blood sugar  in babies ?

 

During pregnancy, the baby gets glucose from the mother through the placenta. After birth, the baby gets glucose from milk or formula. The baby’s liver also produces glucose.

 

The following circumstances can result in low blood glucose level.

• too much insulin in the baby’s blood
• baby is not producing enough glucose
• the baby’s body is using more glucose than is being produced
• the baby is not feeding well to keep up with the glucose level

 

Is my baby at risk ?

 

Babies who are more likely to have low blood sugar include the following :

• babies that are smaller than their gestational age
• babies born to mothers with diabetes
• premature babies
• babies with serious infection or who have the  need for oxygen right after birth
•  babies who had restricted growth during pregnancy

 

What are the symptoms ?

 

This condition is usually asymptomatic. Babies at risk usually have their blood sugar level tested even if there are no symptoms.

Babies who exhibit these symptoms usually have their blood glucose checked.

• breathing problems such as apnea or fast breathing
• bluish colored or pale skin
• loose and floppy muscles
• irritable
• poor feeding or vomiting
• shaking or tremors
• seizures

 

How is a baby with low blood sugar treated ?

 

These babies will need extra feeding with breast milk and formula. Breast fed babies may need to receive extra formula  if the mother is not producing enough breast milk.

 

If the baby is unable to feed by mouth or has a very low blood sugar, he may be given an extra sugar solution through a vein.

 

Treatment is continued until blood sugar level is maintained. Treatment may last for days. It may even be longer for premature babies, low birth weight babies or babies born with serious infections.

 

In rare cases, the newborn may be given medication to treat the condition.  In very rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove parts of the pancreas so that insulin production can be controlled.

 

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