Description
Blood glucose concentrations fall at birth in most babies. For healthy term babies this is a transient event lasting no more than 48 hours. It is not usually harmful because term babies have alternative fuel resources, principally ketones derived from fat stores. Hypoglycaemia is, however, particularly dangerous for premature babies who have inadequate fat stores and other predisposing factors. It is potentially dangerous for any baby when prolonged. The definition of hypoglycaemia is contentious, but there is evidence to support the proposition that blood glucose should be maintained above 2.6 mmol/L at all times in premature babies, and in term babies after the first 48 hours. Where hypoglycaemia is unexpectedly severe or persistent the aetiology should be actively pursued.
