Causes of Neonatal Hypoglycemia
This maternal condition, often characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, is a common cause of neonatal hypoglycemia.
What is gestational diabetes
The most common neurological sign of hypoglycemia in neonates, causing abnormal movements or convulsions.
What are seizures
This is the first step in diagnosing hypoglycemia in a newborn, often done at the bedside.
What is a glucose screen (heel stick)
The first-line treatment for mild hypoglycemia in asymptomatic neonates.
What is feeding (breastfeeding or formula)
This simple intervention, involving early and frequent nutrition, is recommended for at-risk neonates to prevent hypoglycemia.
What is early breastfeeding or formula feeding
Premature babies are at a higher risk for hypoglycemia because they often lack this stored energy source in their liver.
What is glycogen
This symptom, which involves excessive shaking or jitteriness, can indicate low blood sugar in newborns.
What is tremor
The critical plasma glucose level, measured in mg/dL, that is often used as a threshold for diagnosing neonatal hypoglycemia.
What is 45 mg/dL
This common intervention for symptomatic or more severe hypoglycemia involves administering glucose directly into the bloodstream.
What is intravenous (IV) glucose
Preventing neonatal hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers involves strict control of this maternal factor during pregnancy.
What is blood glucose (or maternal blood sugar levels)
Babies born to mothers receiving this type of medication during labor are more likely to experience hypoglycemia.
What are beta-adrenergic blockers
Neonates experiencing hypoglycemia may present with this condition, characterized by low body temperature.
What is hypothermia
If a heel stick glucose result is low, this type of more accurate test is done to confirm blood sugar levels.
What is a serum glucose test
For persistent hypoglycemia, infants may receive this hormone, which helps raise blood glucose levels.
What is glucagon
Infants at high risk for hypoglycemia are often placed in this type of monitoring protocol shortly after birth to ensure glucose levels remain stable.
What is glucose screening (or blood glucose monitoring)
Neonates with this excessive growth condition due to maternal hyperglycemia are at risk for postnatal hypoglycemia.
What is macrosomia
Severe hypoglycemia can cause this life-threatening condition, where a newborn becomes unresponsive.
What is lethargy
Prolonged or recurrent hypoglycemia in neonates may require this more detailed form of metabolic testing.
What are endocrine/metabolic studies
In some cases of neonatal hypoglycemia, continuous glucose monitoring may be performed using this device.
What is a glucose sensor (continuous glucose monitor)
This practice, involving placing the newborn on the mother’s chest immediately after birth, helps regulate blood glucose levels.
What is skin-to-skin contact
This genetic condition, where insulin production is unregulated, can lead to persistent hypoglycemia in neonates.
What is congenital hyperinsulinism
This cardiovascular symptom of hypoglycemia is marked by rapid breathing or heart rate.
What is tachypnea or tachycardia
A neonate with persistent hypoglycemia may require imaging of this organ to assess for insulin overproduction.
What is the pancreas (using an MRI or CT scan)
Neonates with severe, persistent hypoglycemia may be treated with this medication, commonly used to reduce insulin secretion.
What is diazoxide
For preterm infants, this type of nutritional intervention, administered intravenously, may be necessary to prevent hypoglycemia when oral feeding is insufficient.
What is parenteral nutrition (or IV glucose)