An Introduction To Neonatal Hypoglycemia
Among neonates, neonatal hypoglycemia has a high incidence compared to other types of metabolic disorders. Average blood glucose levels in adults is around 70 milligrams per deciliter; however, it is only around 30-45 milligrams per deciliter for infants. Anytime blood glucose falls below the norm, neonatal hypoglycemia begins. In conclusion,neonatal hypoglycemia is a disorder when the blood sugar level of newborn babies dip into very low levels.
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Factors that lead to neonatal hypoglycemia
Usually, babies inside the womb get their nourishment via the placenta. As soon as the baby is born,its liver generates glucose that would be used by the infant. Nevertheless, neonatal hypoglycemia is still possible especially when a disorder causes blood glucose to fall below normal levels. There maybe cases wherein the glycogen stored in the baby’s body is not enough for the baby’s needs. There is also a possibility that too much insulin in the blood prevents the body from processing glucose effectively that leads to this condition.In most cases, neonatal hypoglycemia occurs along with another disease that impairs the ability to process insulin effectively. In fact, neonatal hypoglycemia is not uncommon because health statistics reveal that up to three babies per 1,000 births suffer from this health condition.
Diseases that can cause neonatal hypoglycemia:
* Diabetic mothers
* Overweight babies
* Metabolic disorders
* Endocrine disorders
* Premature birth
* Underweight or preterm infants
* Sepsis
There are other disorders that can contribute to neonatal hypoglycemia.Health care workers must always monitor the blood sugar levels of infants with this condition because low levels can have fatal consequences. Generally, symptoms of neonatal hypoglycemia include irritability and crying, vomiting, grunting, difficulty in breathing, bluish colored skin, shaking, and possibly, seizures.
In most cases, babies are required to undergo certain tests to check if they have neonatal hypoglycemia as indicated by symptoms. Standard tests like newborn screening for metabolic disorders and urine tests are immediately performed for proper diagnosis. Doctors usually prescribe treatment that can be given intravenously to babies. Immediate medical attention is very crucial for this condition since babies can die if neonatal hypoglycemia persists for a long period. Truly, neonatal hypoglycemia affects not only babies but parents who are anxious about their children’s health.
