Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in premature infants


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Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in premature infants


Because premature infants have high energy needs and low energy stores (glycogen), they are prone to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

An infant with hypoglycemia is fed sugar (glucose) intravenously, given more frequent oral feedings, or both. As the premature infant develops a regular oral feeding schedule, blood sugar levels reach normal levels.

Credits


Author Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Jennifer Merchant, MD - Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Last Updated May 8, 2007

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Last updated: May 08, 2007
Author: Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Jennifer Merchant, MD - Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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