Hypoglycemia in Term and Late Preterm Neonates

Patient Guideline Summary

Publication Date: May 16, 2021

Objective

Objective

This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine for hypoglycemia in term and late preterm neonates.

Overview

Overview

  • Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. Persistent hypoglycemia is a serious condition.
  • Symptoms include irritability, jitters, sweating, pale or bluish skin, high-pitched crying, vomiting, fussy feeding, limpness, seizures, irregular (or no) breathing, and low temperature.
  • This patient summary focuses on the recognition and treatment of low blood sugar in newborns.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

  • Almost any abnormality during pregnancy or the newborn period raises the risk of hypoglycemia. A few examples are:
    • Diabetes
    • Prematurity
    • Maternal substance abuse
    • Infection
    • Cold
  • Any suspicion should initiate a thorough evaluation and frequent monitoring.

Treatment

Treatment

  • You should begin breastfeeding exclusively and within 30–60 minutes of birth.
  • You should offer to breastfeed frequently, even when your infant is asleep.
  • If blood sugar remains low, additional supplementation, oral or intravenous, should begin.
  • Continuous dialog between you and your healthcare team, including written information, is necessary until your infant is stable.

Source Citation

Wight NE; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol #1: Guidelines for Glucose Monitoring and Treatment of Hypoglycemia in Term and Late Preterm Neonates, Revised 2021. Breastfeed Med. 2021 May;16(5):353-365. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2021.29178.new. Epub 2021 Apr 7. PMID: 33835840.

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.