Hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood sugar drops below normal values. In addition to adults, this condition can occur in infants with various causes. Hypoglycemia in infants can be dangerous if not recognized and treated quickly and appropriately.
Hypoglycemia is actually normal in newborns, but usually only temporary, and blood sugar levels will rise by itself within 2-3 hours. The problem and need supervision is when hypoglycemia persists. It is usually caused by certain medical conditions, and can be life threatening for the baby.
Various Causes of Hypoglycemia in Babies
Lack of nutritional intake during pregnancy can be a cause of hypoglycemia in infants. Some other conditions that can also cause this condition are:
- Infection
- Asphyxia at birth
- liver disease
- Congenital metabolic disease
- Too much insulin due to diabetes in uncontrolled pregnant women
- Too much insulin due to pancreatic tumor
In infants, the symptoms of hypoglycemia are sometimes atypical. However, there are some common symptoms that you can recognize, including the baby looks weak and doesn't want to suckle. In severe cases, the baby may have seizures, stop breathing (apnea), and turn bluish lips and nails (cyanosis).
Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia in Infants
There are several conditions that can increase the risk of hypoglycemia in infants, namely:
1. Babies of diabetic mothers
Pregnant women who have diabetes will experience an increase in blood sugar levels. This high blood sugar can flow into the baby's bloodstream and trigger insulin production in the baby's body. When the baby is born, glucose intake from the placenta will decrease, while insulin levels in the baby's body are still high. This situation will cause hypoglycemia in newborns.
2. The baby is too big or small while in the womb
Babies large for gestational age (BMK) and infants small for gestational age (KMK) are both at risk of developing hypoglycemia at birth. This is because babies with both conditions are usually born to mothers with glucose intolerance.
3. Premature baby or baby less month
Glycogen reserves are usually only formed in the third trimester of pregnancy, so if the baby is born prematurely, the glycogen supply will be less and be used up faster. This can increase the risk of hypoglycemia in the baby.
4. Baby is more months (postmature baby)
Babies born late, i.e. after 42 weeks of gestation, are also more at risk of developing hypoglycemia. At 42 weeks of gestation, the function of the placenta will decline, so that the fetus uses its glycogen reserves. Decreased glycogen reserves will make the baby more susceptible to hypoglycemia.
5. Stressed babies during pregnancy and childbirth
Fetuses and babies who experience stress have a high metabolic rate and require more energy than other babies. If the nutritional intake is insufficient, babies who experience stress during pregnancy and childbirth will be susceptible to hypoglycemia.
In addition, several other conditions, such as pregnant women who smoke actively, undergoing treatment, such as terbutaline, propranolol, and oral hypoglycemia, and mothers who receive intravenous glucose during delivery, are also at risk of giving birth to babies who are hypoglycemic.
Hypoglycemia in infants should not be underestimated. Several causes and risk factors for hypoglycemia in infants have been described above. To prevent this condition, it is important for pregnant women to maintain their health and always carry out routine pregnancy check-ups with a gynecologist. The doctor will provide advice and monitoring according to the condition of the pregnant woman.
