6.2.3. Neonatology - Common Post-Natal Problems - Hypoglycaemia

Question 1

What Babies are at Risk of Hypoglycaemia?

Answer 1

1. Limited Glucose Supply
2. Hyperinsulinism
3. Increased Glucose Utilisation

Question 2

What can cause Limited Glucose Supply?

Answer 2

1. Premature Babies

2. Perinatal Stress

Question 3

What can cause Hyperinsulinism?

Answer 3

Infants of Diabetic Mothers

Question 4

What can cause an Increased Glucose Utilisation?

Answer 4

1. Small / Large for Gestational Age
2. Hypothermia
3. Sepsis

Question 5

What are the Neonatal Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia?

Answer 5

1. Hypothermia / Temperature Instability
2. Lethargy / Hypotonia / Jitteriness
3. Poor Suck and Feeding / Vomiting
   4 .Apnoea (Irregular Respiration)
4. High Pitches / Weak Cry
5. Seizures
6. Asymptomatic

Question 6

What is the Disadvatages of Blood Sugar Measuring in a Neonate?

Answer 6

1. Bedside Tests can be inaccurate:
2. a) At High or Low Levels
3. b) When there is Poor Perfusion
4. c) When there is Polycythaemia
   Note - Hypoglycaemia = Blood Sugar < 2.6 mmol/L