home Calculators Normal and low sugar (glucose) in the blood of newborns (infants). Blood sugar levels in children of all ages, its meaning

Normal and low sugar (glucose) in the blood of newborns (infants). Blood sugar levels in children of all ages, its meaning

The newborn's blood sugar was at first at the lower limit of normal, but continues to fall (checked every hour, drops by 2-3 points). They told me to be sure to drink sweet water and feed with formula. Is this really dangerous or are they playing it safe and pushing?
There is no milk/colostrum yet, the baby sleeps all the time and doesn’t want to suckle anything. Is it really necessary to give me more food and supplements, or are they putting pressure on me because I refused?
Thank you!

what, already. here it is 7 o'clock in the evening :))) First of all, congratulations! Secondly, I won’t really say anything, but a search turned up this:

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the blood sugar (glucose) level is low.

There are many situations involving potentially increased risk hypoglycemia in a newborn baby, such as caesarean section, premature birth, big or little weight child. Because of this, it is common practice in many hospitals to give such a baby a bottle of water, glucose or formula automatically, usually before giving the baby to the mother - even before it has been determined for sure whether the baby actually has hypoglycemia. While sometimes this extra drinking or supplementation is necessary, most of these traditional measures are unnecessary and may even be harmful. This is often the first step towards breastfeeding failure.

Even when hypoglycemia occurs, best treatment- normal breastfeeding. Colostrum has a high lactose content to help raise baby's blood sugar, but more importantly, it also contains high amounts of protein to help stabilize those sugars. Protein and lactose together can increase and stabilize blood sugar levels. With lactose or glucose alone, a baby's blood sugar tends to rise and then fall sharply, causing fluctuations that can also be harmful.

Unless hypoglycemia is severe, frequent feedings are usually sufficient to help in most such cases, plus it provides additional benefits related to immunological protection. Mother feeding her baby at least, ten to twelve times a day is the best way to stabilize a child's glucose levels."

On the other hand, while it is clear that conventional feeding supplements, e.g. caesarean section, are unnecessary, sometimes treatment of hypoglycemia may become necessary. However, how aggressive surveillance and treatment should be will depend on the cause and circumstances.

Possible causes of hypoglycemia

Newborn children who were born after severe or long labor, may sometimes have low blood sugar at birth, especially if they have been oxygen deprived at some point. Although all babies with hypoglycemia should be monitored, most babies born after difficult labor respond well to treatment and stabilize quickly. For these children, frequent feedings and close monitoring are in most cases sufficient measures. If the child has Clinical signs hypoglycemia, is unable to breastfeed well, or does not respond to the measures described, sometimes additional prescriptions may be necessary. However, usually, aggressive testing and routine supplementary feeding are not necessary unless the child's condition is severe.

Other children who often persistently feed are “large” children. Although definitions vary, any child weighing 4 kg or more is considered overly large. Because some oversized children have hypoglycemia, many hospitals routinely automatically supplement and/or supplement feeding children weighing more than 4 kg. In fact, this is rarely really necessary as most of these cases respond well to early and frequent feedings and simple observation is usually all that is required.

Small infants ("Small for Gestational Age") may also experience hypoglycemia more frequently and are also frequently supplemented. These newborns should be monitored closely because they have the potential to develop problems of some kind, and if the baby does not maintain stable blood sugar levels, additional feeding may become necessary. However, most low-for-term babies are well stabilized if they breastfeed early and often.

On the other hand, children of mothers with diabetes mellitus need careful investigation and observation because neonatal hypoglycemia is a real risk for them. Because these babies tend to have higher blood sugar levels in utero, they respond by producing large amounts of insulin. After birth, the mother's blood supply of glucose stops, but the baby's insulin production takes time to adjust to the changed conditions, and thus fluctuations in blood sugar levels are common. This is most common in children of poorly treated diabetic mothers, but can sometimes occur even with controlled diabetes.

In the past, most babies born to diabetic mothers were automatically given intravenous glucose and/or supplemental formula feedings, but recent research has shown that many of these babies do very well with routine care, with careful monitoring. Thus, while some infants of diabetic mothers do require supplemental feeding, automatic supplementation should be replaced by a selective approach (Cordero1998). And even if a baby from a diabetic pregnancy needs this supplementation, there is no reason why it should be given by bottle. In these infants, breastfeeding and non-bottle feeding methods should be combined to help these infants stabilize their blood sugar. At the same time, it also stimulates the mother's milk production and supplies it to the baby, thus providing him with those significant protective benefits that are associated with the presence of antibodies in milk.

Babies from mothers with gestational diabetes used to be treated exactly the same as if it were outright diabetes, with extremely aggressive testing and feeding protocols. However, it is questionable whether this is really necessary in most cases. If the mother required insulin, then careful evaluation is probably warranted and supplemental feeding may sometimes become necessary. If the mother did not require insulin and was given adequate treatment, then the research that is currently being practiced may be completely unnecessary. Careful observation and promotion of early and frequent feeding may be sufficient. However, much debate surrounds the questions of how many studies to conduct and what protocols are appropriate, and standards vary significantly from hospital to hospital. Premature babies often have difficulty regulating blood sugar, and supplementary feeding often becomes really necessary. Much depends on how premature the baby is, how well (if at all) he is able to breastfeed, and whether there are other problems associated with prematurity. In a premature baby, there are too many factors involved in creating any strict feeding guidelines. Consulting a trained lactation consultant is the best way to more reliably know when supplemental feeding is truly needed.

Newborns with infections or other illnesses often have associated hypoglycemia and may have specific reason instability of their blood sugar levels. Their blood sugar can shoot up and down like a shuttle. Maintaining a constant level can be very difficult. This type of hypoglycemia is much more difficult to treat and often requires additional feedings, but should not exclude breastfeeding. Sick infants need protective immunological elements contained in large quantities in their mother's colostrum and milk, so formula should never be used instead of breast milk, but in addition to it (preferably after breastfeeding). However, just as in the case of premature babies, even if supplementary feeding has become necessary, this does not mean that this must be done with a bottle. There are many other feeding options that can help maintain breastfeeding (see below).

The father may request that the baby remain with the mother in the same room after the birth, or monitor where the baby is transferred to ensure that no formula is used unless the hypoglycemia is severe enough to be a legitimate cause for concern.

Diagnosis and treatment methods

If low blood sugar is suspected, it is possible that the child may actually need additional nutrition. However, it is important that this fact must be recorded LABORATORY. If the child does not have significant symptoms of hypoglycemia (lethargy, seizures, impaired consciousness, apnea (stopping breathing) and there is no reason to suspect a serious problem, before taking a blood sugar test to make sure there is a problem, the only treatment should be frequent breastfeeding. With rare exceptions, early and frequent feedings should be the method of choice over regular supplementation.

The question of at what sugar level hypoglycemia should be diagnosed is a difficult one. It depends on the circumstances. If the baby is sick, premature, or has some other condition, the criteria used for diagnosis depend entirely on the situation. None guidelines cannot be presented here for scenarios with a sick or premature baby, because all decisions here depend on the situation. Contact a lactation consultant to choose the appropriate tactics for your situation.

However, if the baby is full-term, healthy and has no other special reasons for concern, then the range of sugar levels at which hypoglycemia is diagnosed is between 1.7-2.2 µm/l. Some doctors use a level of 2.2 µm/L, most - 2 µm/L. and a few - 1.7 µm/l - as indications for treatment. Currently, there are no studies that make it clear which diagnostic level is most appropriate.

Relation to these results as well as indications for different types Treatments for them also vary from hospital to hospital. In some hospitals, a level of 2.0 μm/L is considered normal, or "borderline", yet in others it may be considered severe hypoglycemia. One hospital may prescribe routine formula or glucose supplementation at 2.0 µM/L; another hospital may require nothing more than frequent breastfeeding, monitoring, and repeat testing an hour or two later. Because there are as many opinions as there are hospitals and no absolute uniform approaches that can be outlined here, every mother should consult with a certified lactation consultant to discuss the implications of any specific situation she faces.

Hypoglycemia - potentially serious problem for a newborn, if it is pronounced or if blood sugar is unstable. If this condition is not treated, it can result in damage nerve cells and other problems, and it is understandable why hospital staff are concerned about this. However, it is also clear that the supplementary feeding protocols that were common in the past are outdated and should be abandoned.

In a normal full-term baby without signs of hypoglycemia, there is no need for mandatory supplementary feeding. Breastfeeding every 2 hours is usually sufficient to prevent hypoglycemia. A child at increased risk of hypoglycemia is prescribed more frequent feedings. Supplemental feeding is usually not necessary for most of these children. Careful observation and periodic examination are usually all that is needed. However, infants who have symptoms of hypoglycemia (lethargy, coma, seizures, apnea) or have special concerns such as prematurity, neonatal illness, or maternal diabetes may require closer monitoring and more aggressive treatment.

If treatment is necessary, it should be based on existing evidence (rather than on assumptions about risk, or on data from dubious sources). The decision to treat must take into account the specific circumstances of each individual case and must be based on the best latest research, and not on traditions. If supplementary feeding has become necessary, maintaining breastfeeding should still be a high priority, with supplements used whenever possible. alternative methods(not from a bottle). Among the treatment methods used, frequent breastfeeding should be the method of choice. Whenever there is concern about hypoglycemia, consultation with a PROFESSIONAL lactation consultant is vital for treatment decisions.*****

What are you, how are you. keep me posted, Irish, we are worried! an endocrinologist, as I understand it, you would like to see now. Everything will be fine!

found here http://www.medicum.nn.ru/doctor/library/endocrinology/Lavin/33.php

Criteria for laboratory diagnosis of hypoglycemia

A. Dangerous hypoglycemia in term newborns: blood glucose concentration

B. Dangerous hypoglycemia in premature and low birth weight infants: blood glucose concentration

B. Alert hypoglycemia in newborns: a child under 5 days of age has a blood glucose concentration

D. Dangerous hypoglycemia in children older than 5 days: blood glucose concentration

Also read here http://medafarm.ru/php/content.php?id=7030

Irochka, I don’t know how things stand in your numbers, but I read, you know, I would give this damn glucose and the mixture! Well, what the heck, breastfeeding can be maintained or combined, or, well, it’s even there, since the question is being posed like that. listen to the doctors and I beg you not to disappear.

Irishenka. Everything will be fine! Please, do not worry! Sonny? Are you born? I can’t help you with advice - Oksana gave you a lot of advice and wrote to you. I'll find what I can.
But I think that doctors are playing it safe! Time will show. I went surfing the internet.

I wonder if you can’t give glucose and breastfeed at the same time? After all, now in the next few days the kids don’t really want to eat. and especially the newly born.

I think she's just in a panic right now. I threw here everything that was available from the information at that time and now I’m definitely no longer sitting (lying) idle, but still trying to find the right solution. In the end, the doctors are nearby - they will help, advise, and insist on their opinion.

but if he says there is no colostrum/milk yet, and feeding, as I understand it, is now quite an important point along with glucose. who knows best, Natasha. one thing is for sure - doctors are nearby.

It was like that with my Dani. Sugar was very low. They didn’t even put him in the ward with me (and in a special department where children need medical observation and care), and he had extra sugar. administered through a tube (probably with food). And then when I started breastfeeding, everything began to return to normal. On the 7th day we were only discharged, and only because I had to feed him constantly. In general, listen to doctors. There is no need to take risks in such things. This is what they studied for, and they have enormous experience in order to provide their expertise in any situation. help.

Don't worry. Tune in for the best!

Irochka, first of all, I congratulate you on the birth of your son.

I won't give you any advice on the matter. But I would give glucose or a mixture. My friend gave birth to both children with severe Rh conflict and jaundice. In such cases, the children are immediately fed with a special mixture and kept under lamps. but this did not stop her from breastfeeding until she was 1.5 years old and still breastfeeding the other (she was 1.5). So, Irish, is it better to be on the safe side?!

GOOD HEALTH TO YOU. What is it? All sorts of problems will never get away from you, huh? TTT on you.

You really need to feed it! Hypoglycemia is dangerous. Breastfeed him - he may suck something out (until the milk comes), but if his sugar still drops, give him formula (you can give him not only from a bottle, but in other ways, so that he doesn’t give up the breast when the milk comes!). Have you had gestational diabetes? (even if they just corrected it with diet).

My mask lay in the barracks under the wires for the first 24 hours. She was given nutrition through tubes for the first few hours. So, they brought me an electric breast pump almost the morning after giving birth. They taught you how to pump (I think you’ve already got the hang of milk). My daughter also suckled at the breast, and they supplemented her with previously expressed milk (they kept it in the refrigerator and then warmed it up). Drops were poured directly from a plastic syringe after feeding. My daughter immediately developed jaundice and terrible drowsiness. So they told me to feed him as I please.

Don’t wait for your son to start sucking on his own, he’s weak from jaundice right now. Sucked, supplement with expressed milk. Then he will suck well, don’t worry!

Irisha! I congratulate your family on the birth of a boy!
Ira, on this moment I would do as the doctors say and advise. There is no milk yet, but there will definitely be some! and you still have time to feed your boy yourself.

A close friend of mine had a similar situation. There was no milk at first either (which is natural). The child was bottle-fed with donor milk. At the same time, my friend constantly applied it to her breast. True, I didn’t express myself - I would still express myself just in case. Hemoglobin immediately returned to normal. Her milk has arrived. I fed her for up to a year without any problems. Hold on!

Windy, first of all, I congratulate you on the birth of your baby! Let him grow up smart and healthy. Secondly, unfortunately. I just saw your topic today, I hope that the situation has changed for the better during this time. So, hypoglycemia in newborns is very dangerous, because only glucose serves as a source of nutrition for the brain, the lower the sugar level, the longer this happens and the smaller child. the more dangerous. Therefore, you need to weigh the pros and cons very well. to decide whether it is necessary to refuse medical recommendations, and whether this is reinsurance or not. Hypoglycemia in the first 5 days may be associated with prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction (which may be manifested by low weight) or impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Children whose mothers suffer from diabetes often suffer from hypoglycemia (they produce too much insulin in utero, both for themselves and for their mother). There are also different endocrine diseases. which may manifest as hypoglycemia, but I hope that this information will not be useful to you. So, with dangerous hypoglycemia (less than 1.7 V capillary blood in full-term infants) treatment is started parenterally. In case of alarming hypoglycemia (less than 2.2, observe for 5 days. If the glucose level does not normalize, treatment is started. It is recommended not to interrupt feeding even during infusion administration glucose. Therefore, what would I personally recommend (familiar with both endocrinology and recommendations for breastfeeding): If glycemia is less than 2.2 or gradually drops, I would supplement with glucose, even if the child sucks colostrum well, after the disappearance of transient hypoglycemia, it is easier to establish breastfeeding, rather than risk dangerous hypoglycemia. If the glycemia does not fall, but remains between 2.2 and 3.1, but the child is sucking well and is active (i.e. there are no clinical symptoms), in this case, perhaps I would wait a few hours, observe, but if there was the slightest doubt, I would still supplement the drink glucose.

Since I am not a neonatologist, I looked at the literature. In Russia, parenteral administration is recommended starting from 2.2 mmol/l (Shabalov, 1995). Early breastfeeding is recommended.

Congratulations Windy. That's news!
I can’t add anything from experience, but theoretically colostrum best product for a newborn. It contains a lot of fat, which perfectly balances carbohydrates and helps smooth absorption of the latter, which is very important for the stability of blood sugar, etc. I know that in America they don’t give any water with sugar at all. And its purpose is more likely for dehydration, and not for blood sugar. Where did you give birth?
Grow up healthy and obedient :-) and keep us updated.

All this was reinsurance, however, and depended on the decision of the pediatrician on duty at the hospital. Because glucose was on the verge of normal, but did not fall too low, as it turned out later. Their numbers are completely different - others are given here. His first analysis was on the border of normal - 74 with a lower normal of 72, then it began to fall, dropped to 64, but they also measured in tenths, so when they told me that glucose was falling by several points every hour, it sounded very scary:-). As it turned out later, everything was not too dangerous for such a thorough check and that dangerous situations at much lower rates they begin. We supplemented him with glucose, then with formula, and the level increased significantly. And after that, no one ever checked the blood for glucose again. Well, in general, we just forgot about this misunderstanding :-). It was possible to do without this first complementary feeding in the first hours, most likely, but it really did not affect anything, only the tests :-).

THEN they scared us with the still growing bilirubin, because... It turned out that the child was positive when I was negative. And while we were waiting for the test for bilirubin, we were very worried that there was an Rh conflict, but the bilirubin turned out to be growing, but not to the same extent as happens with Rh conflicts, thank God. Although on this occasion they still fed him several more times. On the first day, the child received so much formula that his poor stomach, honestly. I got into big trouble.

So far everything else is fine, nothing else scared us :-).

I have severe hypothyroidism, which seems to have been compensated during pregnancy, they said that this could have an effect. We are now waiting for the results of a detailed analysis of the child’s thyroid hormones. On Friday they will say whether there is a problem there or not.

relied :-), because there was no place and no time to look for something, etc. It was early here, everyone was still asleep. So thank you again :-)!

Low blood sugar in newborns is termed hypoglycemia and is a factor in severe central nervous system disorders. nervous system and cause of death in newborns. But it is much easier to prevent or stop hypoglycemia in infancy than a friend.

Mostly the specified pathology susceptible to:

babies of mothers with diabetes;
those who were born with intrauterine chronic disorder nutrition;
premature babies;
babies born with suffocation;
children who have had exchange transfusions blood;
newborns suffering from hypothermia;
infants who have had infections.

Low sugar is pathological condition, expressed by a decrease in blood glucose levels. Its level is at different ages is different. In a newborn, as well as a one-year-old child, a reduced glucose level is determined by 1.7 mmol/l and 2.6-2.2 mmol/l, respectively.

excess insulin;
lack of glucose in the body;
hereditary carbohydrate metabolism disorder;
deficiency of contrainsular hormones;
disorders in the endocrine system;
diseases of the nervous system;
disorders or diseases in the mother’s body during pregnancy;
difficult childbirth;
hereditary predisposition.

In an infant born to a diabetic woman, the manifestation of hypoglycemia is observed in the first hours of the baby’s life, as a rule, in others in the first three days. Initial signs low level With sugar, babies may be restless, pale, irritable, nervous or excessively drowsy, and have seizures when the hypoglycemia level is very low. In such cases, the most reliable method is to put accurate diagnosis is a blood test.

Symptomatic manifestations

Symptoms characteristic of hypoglycemia in newborns are as follows:

Along with other reasons that provoke this disease, late feeding is also observed in newborns. Normal blood sugar levels in a newborn are maintained through breastfeeding, which begins as soon as the baby is able to feed.

Principles of treatment

Ways to prevent progression of hypoglycemia in infants:

The baby is at risk of disease if the mother has chronic diabetes. Since the fetus was exposed during pregnancy high level insulin, after childbirth this can interfere with the production of milk and free fatty acids, and also lead to a decrease in blood glucose levels. To prevent such consequences, the following is necessary: regular monitoring of the diabetic condition of a pregnant woman; control of a woman’s diabetic condition during childbirth; expressing and storing colostrum before the baby is born and supplementing it if the child is at risk of developing hypoglycemia.
Establish skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby immediately after birth, so that the baby has the ability to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Breastfeeding as soon as possible after the baby is born.

Breastfeeding, as noted earlier, is the most the best way both prevention and treatment of hypoglycemia in newborns. But if, upon examination by a doctor, the infant still has slightly low blood sugar levels, it is worth including hormonal agents. If the level is quite low, then the doctor prescribes a drip with the introduction of glucose into the baby’s body.

There are some facts about neonatal hypoglycemia:

a decrease in blood glucose levels during the first two hours of a newborn’s life is not always a pathology;
normal blood sugar without pathologies in a baby weighing at least 4 kg at birth;
there is no need to check children born during a normal pregnancy, at term, without complications;
Hypoglycemia is not always the culprit of brain damage;
The best way to prevent pathology in a newborn is breastfeeding.

It should be remembered that untimely treatment of pathology can lead to disastrous consequences. It is always easier to prevent a disease rather than fight it. Vigilance, a competent approach and timely consultation with a doctor will help not only cure the disease, but also prevent and promptly prevent the consequences of this disease.

A pathological drop in blood sugar levels below standard values is called hypoglycemia. This condition the body is characteristic not only of diabetics. U healthy people A decrease in glucose levels can be caused by:

starvation;
intoxication;
irrational physical activity.

Unstable sugar is often observed in women in perinatal period. Glucose is the main energy source for the entire body. The cells of the central nervous system (CNS) need the most intensive supply of glucose. With the development of hypoglycemia, the brain does not receive sufficient nutrition. Low sugar in a newborn is especially dangerous. This symptom can lead to brain damage and further abnormal development of the baby.

Important! A glucose level of 2.3 mmol/l is critical. With such a digital sugar value, the child is diagnosed with hypoglycemia.

Blood sugar levels for babies

Due to the peculiarity metabolic processes in the baby's body standard indicators Blood sugars are different from those in adults. To determine the optimal values, the child is glucose tolerance test. As a load, the baby is given a glucose solution to drink. Blood is drawn four times: on an empty stomach, 60, 90 minutes and 2 hours after exercise. Normally, sugar values in full-term babies should fall within the following mmol/l range.

Diagnosis is carried out in the first five days after birth. Blood is collected for analysis from the heel of the newborn

Types and causes of hypoglycemia in newborns

Pathologically low sugar levels in infants appear at birth or within five days after birth. The species classification of glycemia is determined by the nature of its course. There are two main types classified.

Short-term or transient

It occurs against the background of a deficiency of high molecular weight carbohydrate (glycogen), which is formed by glucose residues. This type is typical for premature babies whose pancreas has not yet reached full capacity. The condition is not long-term and can be easily treated with intravenous administration glucose solution.

Factors that provoke transient hypoglycemia are:

diagnosed diabetes mellitus in the mother;
use simple carbohydrates(in large quantities) immediately before delivery;
intrauterine deficiency of energy and protein fractions (hypotrophy);
oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) and suffocation (asphyxia) when the baby is born;
intrauterine infection of a child;
incorrect treatment of gestational diabetes during the perinatal period (use of long-acting insulins).

Chronic or persistent hypoglycemia

Needs to special treatment and long-term observation by an endocrinologist. The reasons may be the following: hereditary disorders metabolism and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (disproportionate physical development), congenital autoimmune pathologies. Typically, prior to glucose tolerance testing and other diagnostic methods, primary hypoglycemia after birth is associated with prematurity or intrauterine growth restriction. If the sugar level does not rise to normal limits, the child requires medical attention, regardless of the cause of the hypoglycemic state.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of low sugar in infants depends on the intensity of the decrease. These may be gradually increasing symptoms or sudden onset acute symptoms. In the latter case, the baby needs emergency medical care, because the sugar fasting can lead to irreversible cessation of brain activity.

The asymptomatic form of development of sugar deficiency is characterized by the absence of external psychosomatic signs.

Hypoglycemia in an infant can only be determined through blood tests. Failure to diagnose in a timely manner may result in an acute spontaneous attack. Severe or symptomatic. Signs of hypoglycemia are permanent with increasing frequency of manifestation. It ends with the forced development of an attack, which is stopped in a children's hospital. Otherwise, a diabetic crisis may develop, up to comatose state baby.

External physiological symptoms glucose starvation is characterized by:

cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle (cyanosis);
pallor skin baby;
involuntary reflex muscle contraction (convulsions);
short-term cessation of breathing during sleep (apnea);
poorly developed unconditioned sucking reflex;
hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating);
rapid satiation during feeding;
disturbance of the rhythmic functioning of the heart (bradycardia - slow rhythm or tachycardia - rapid heartbeat).

Signs of a disorder of the visceral nervous system in newborns appear individually. The child may become extremely agitated, be capricious, or scream loudly without visible reasons or not show strong emotions. In this case, there is lethargy, loss muscle tone, short-term loss of consciousness (fainting), apathy.

The main danger lies in the similarity of this symptomatology with other diseases and disorders in the functioning of the infant’s body. However, cases of hypoglycemic coma in infants are rarely recorded. This syndrome typical for premature babies, who receive more attention from medical personnel.

Advanced diagnostics of hypoglycemia

The need for advanced diagnostics is identified through a blood test, which is taken at night. A low level of glucose in venous blood (less than 2.7 mmol/l) is an indication for additional research. Blood microscopy is performed to determine the level of:

glucose (using test strips);
sugar (via glucose load testing);
FFA or free fatty acids (lipid metabolism analysis);
presence of acetone bodies;
insulin hormone;
cortisol (glucocorticoid hormone).

The risk group includes:

infants with intrauterine protein-energy deficiency;
children born to women who are insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetics;
newborns with increased body weight.

Additional diagnostics for newborn babies ahead of schedule, is mandatory

A comprehensive examination of the child will help determine the presence of diseases, the symptom of which may be hypoglycemia. These include:

blood poisoning (sepsis);
violation of the body's thermoregulation;
lack of communication between the right parts of the heart, reduction of the cavity of the right ventricle and the presence of a defect interventricular septa(cyanotic heart disease);
inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis);
presence of a pancreatic tumor (insulinoma);
intrauterine intoxication;
hemorrhage in the brain.

Serious disturbances in liver function are possible.

Treatment

Glucose concentrations in children may change in the first hours after birth. This is not a pathology. It is recommended to immediately put the baby to the breast right in the delivery room. Colostrum is valuable product, containing mass nutrients. When blood sugar levels are low in a newborn, parenteral (drip) administration of a glucose solution is indicated.

The baby is given an IV in compliance with certain rules: uninterrupted supply of the solution, consistent adjustment of the dosage of the active substance and the rate of infusion (drip of glucose into the blood), solution concentration is from 5 to 10%, the rate of administration can be 6–8 mg/kg/min. Parallel breastfeeding during IV drip is encouraged. This will provide double medicinal effect And calm state baby.

At moderate form sugar imbalance, in addition to the IV, glucose is administered orally. Also appointed intramuscular injections glucagon. IN severe cases applies hormone therapy. During therapy, blood glucose is monitored three times a day. When sugar levels reach standard limits, the flow rate of the solution is reduced to 2 mg/kg/min.

Stable digital values give the right to a neonatologist (doctor for newborn babies) to cancel the administration of glucose solution. At the same time as the child’s glycemia is brought into order, the child’s general health should be normalized. psychophysical state. If this does not happen and the symptoms recur against the background of normal sugar levels, it is necessary additional examination in order to identify the source of concern.

Breast milk– the most effective therapy and prevention of hypoglycemia in infants

Negative consequences

Untimely Taken measures to eliminate hypoglycemia in children in the first days of life can affect the physiological and psychological development organism in the future. What does this mean? First of all, the consequences of low sugar in a newborn affect the full functioning of the brain. In the future, the child may have the following manifestations:

Cerebral palsy (cerebral palsy);
sudden onset of seizures (epilepsy);
mental and sensory disabilities;
decrease in cognitive functions (memory, mental performance);
acquired dementia (dementia).

Complications may affect the vascular system. Microvascular consequences are expressed in the development of disorders visual function. The peripheral vessels of the urinary system and the renal apparatus are affected, lower limbs, gastrointestinal tract. Macrovascular changes affect the normal functioning of the heart. The consequences of hypoglycemia in children can affect the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

In case of rapid development of hypoglycemic coma, the child may die or become mentally retarded.

Preventive measures

To prevent the development chronic symptoms hypoglycemia and recurrence of attacks, the child must good nutrition mother's milk. If a woman is not lactating, the neonatologist and pediatrician must choose the best option artificial mixture. Hyperthermia and hypothermia must be avoided. The child should have a stable, normal body temperature.

A young mother should follow a feeding schedule. The baby should not overeat or feel hungry. It is advisable to check your glucose levels at your monthly doctor's visit. If the hypoglycemia status does not change, a medical examination is necessary. inpatient conditions. At severe conditions not excluded hormonal treatment through the use of glucocorticoids.

Children at risk are subject to special medical registration. Parents need to carefully monitor the baby’s behavior after discharge from the maternity hospital (hospital). Hypoactivity and lethargy for healthy children may be a sign normal fatigue. In a child who has experienced hyperglycemia, this may be a symptom of the return of the abnormal state.

Many adults, especially those faced with a rather dangerous disease - diabetes, know how important it is to know the level of glucose in the blood, so that the disease can be recognized in time. However, few people think about the fact that children’s blood sugar also rises, and doctors around the world are concerned about the rejuvenation of many diseases and urge parents to be more attentive to the child’s health. After all early diagnosis- the key to successful treatment.

Type I diabetes can be acquired, congenital and hereditary (it first manifests itself as a result of previous colds, viral infections, others negative factors). In cases where parents, grandparents and other relatives become ill with diabetes, the child is immediately included in the risk group and is under close supervision of a pediatrician and endocrinologist. Keep in mind that with at least one diabetic parent, the chance of a child having diabetes is approximately 10%; with both parents having diabetes, the chance increases to 30%.

Why do we need sugar?

Glucose, found in the blood, is a carbohydrate by nature and the main source of nutrition for the body's cells. It would seem that there is more glucose - better food cells, but everything is completely different. In the body, any process is good in moderation, and an increase in glucose levels affects all organs and tissues, actually poisoning them, and a deficiency, on the contrary, does not provide normal nutrition. The hormone insulin, produced by pancreatic cells, is responsible for blood sugar levels. It is its failure and, as a result, insufficient insulin production that causes diabetes. Increases and decreases in sugar levels are often a sign of other dangerous diseases, and it is better to identify them immediately.

Submission of analysis

The analysis is carried out at a clinic or private laboratory. Blood is taken from a finger or from a vein for analysis (then the result will be more accurate). In both adults and children, sugar levels are unstable and are determined on an empty stomach. Thus, the level of glucose in the blood increases after eating and depends on the time of day, physical and emotional stress.

To get an accurate blood sugar result in children, proper preparation is necessary. Before donating blood, do not feed your child for about 10 hours, give him only regular filtered or boiled water, a newborn and infant are allowed to feed 3 hours before the test, no later. It is not recommended to brush children's teeth before the examination, because any toothpaste, and especially children's toothpaste, contains sugar, which is absorbed through the mucous membrane of the mouth and distorts the results obtained.

Table of norms for different ages

Unlike adults, children do not have clearly fixed indicators; the norm of blood sugar in children greatly depends on the age of the baby, and for each age group she belongs. In addition, it is important to take into account that the norms may vary depending on the laboratory where the research was carried out, therefore in all analyzes the laboratory puts its own norm values next to the result obtained. The following table will help you familiarize yourself with international standards and find out what the result should be:

When the result is different from the norm

If you discover a result different from the norm, there is no need to immediately sound the alarm. Firstly, in a child, especially a small one, it is very difficult to follow all the rules for taking blood; the test should be retaken, fully taking into account the preparation recommendations. Secondly, the increased outcome, in addition to diabetes, is often associated with:

with testing after eating;
with emotional or physical activity before blood collection;
With various diseases others endocrine organs(except pancreas) - adrenal glands, thyroid gland, pituitary gland;
with undiagnosed epilepsy;
with pancreatic diseases other than diabetes.

Additional Research

Since it is not always possible to track proper preparation to the analysis and the correctness of blood sampling, sometimes borderline results are obtained, and on their basis it cannot be said about an increase in glucose. Exist additional methods research. These include a glucose tolerance test, aimed at determining how quickly glucose is absorbed by the body due to its excess consumption, i.e., how long it takes for glucose levels to return to normal.

This analysis is as follows: after measuring sugar, the child must be given pure glucose in powder (1.75 g per kg of body weight), diluted in a small amount of water, on an empty stomach. Next, measurements are taken every 30 minutes and a schedule is drawn up for reducing the concentration of glucose in the blood. Values less than 7 mmol/l recorded 2 hours after the start of the test are considered normal. At values up to 11 mmol/l, the result is regarded as impaired glucose tolerance, prediabetes. Values above 11 mmol/l speak in favor of the disease.

Signs of high sugar

Many parents are concerned about the question of whether it is possible to detect an increase in sugar in their baby without taking a test. Indeed, diabetes has special symptoms, having discovered which, it is easy to suspect this disease. These include increased thirst and an increase in the amount of urine per day. In addition, constant lethargy, drowsiness, and rapid fatigue of the child should alert parents and be a reason to make an appointment with a doctor. Undiagnosed disorders of glucose metabolism can lead to mental retardation and physical development baby.

Conclusion

Many dangerous and social significant diseases are diagnosed in early childhood, and if not cured, then take control and prevent diseases from significantly affecting life in the future. Diabetes belongs to one of them, it is diagnosed based on simple analysis. Taking blood will not cause significant discomfort to the baby, but it will probably make his future life much easier.

Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar in a newborn.

If a child's sugar level is low and the parents do not treat the newborn, this can put the baby's health at serious risk. If a newborn's sugar remains low for a long time, it can cause brain damage. However, if babies are born on time, they will be healthy and the baby is unlikely to have low blood sugar.

Causes of hypoglycemia in newborns

Don't worry that your newborn is in danger due to low blood sugar. A bunch of medical workers will be on hand to ensure that the child's health is safe. After he is born, your midwife and other staff will make sure he is digesting well. They will check the baby's glucose levels with blood tests. In some hospitals, these blood tests are routinely done on infants who are at high risk of hypoglycemia.

Every cell in our body needs a supply of sugar or glucose to normal functioning. Adults get glucose from food. Newborns get the sugar they need from their mother's breast milk. After eating, the sugar level rises. When it's time for the next feeding, sugar levels begin to drop and a feeling of hunger occurs. Sugar levels are regulated by hormones, particularly insulin, which helps certain cells take up glucose for storage.

When everything is working well, hormones keep blood sugar levels within the proper range. When the balance is disrupted, hypoglycemia can occur.

Most healthy children can easily cope with normal low blood sugar levels.

On breastfeeding, the baby will drink breast milk when they want to eat. However, some babies are at risk, including those born to mothers who have diabetes. They may produce too much insulin, making them prone to reduced level blood sugar.

Newborns are susceptible to hypoglycemia if they:

Born prematurely or weighing very little
had breathing difficulties at birth
suffered from excessive cold or hypothermia
they have an infection.

Hypoglycemia in newborns should usually resolve on its own. If the disease does not go away, the child will need to undergo an examination to find the root cause of the problem.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia in children

You cannot detect hypoglycemia simply by observing your newborn. But sometimes, if your baby's blood sugar is too low, you may notice some subtle signs. He may be nervous or irritable—or very sleepy. Even if it is not hypoglycemia, he may become ill for some other reason.

If a newborn's blood sugar is very low, he or she may have seizures. These are signs that something very serious is going on and you will need to call ambulance. A blood test is the only way to accurately diagnose a newborn's blood sugar levels.

The usual way of testing is to take a prick of blood from the legs, and have it tested either in the department or in a hospital laboratory. Each hospital has its own testing policy. Doctors do not always agree on safe blood glucose levels in a newborn baby. Too many tests can cause you unnecessary anxiety.

Treatment of hypoglycemia in newborns

You can encourage your newborn baby to feed frequently, especially if he is sleepy or uninterested. This is easier to do if you are breastfeeding.

Keep your baby close to you, preferably skin-to-skin. This stimulates breastfeeding. If the toddler is warm, the risk of hypoglycemia is reduced. If medical staff are concerned about your newborn's blood sugar levels, the first thing they will ask you to do is try to breastfeed. Breast milk is the best treatment. At this point, staff may say that the baby needs expressed milk, which can be from a bottle, cup, or through a tube that goes down from the baby's nose into the belly. If the newborn is breastfed, but his sugar level is still a little low, you need to add hormonal drugs.

If the newborn's blood sugar level is quite low, it will be examined by the pediatrician and you will be given a sugar solution, or glucose, through an IV. When infant stabilizes, he can start taking porridge again and gradually come off sugar through a drip. If the newborn does not respond to this treatment, or if the hypoglycemia persists, he will need testing to find out what disease is causing it.

If my baby has hypoglycemia, can I breastfeed?

Yes. When a newborn gets hypoglycemia, it does not mean there is something wrong with the mother's breast milk.

If your baby is not feeding for some time because he is on an IV, it is important that you maintain your lactation. You can do this by expressing milk frequently.