One of the most common metabolic disorders of the neonate of a GDM mother is hypoglycemia. It occurs
due to the hyperinsulinemia of the fetus in response to the maternal hyperglycemia in utero
. Hypoglycemia can lead to more serious complications like severe central nervous system and cardiopulmonary disturbances.
Why are large babies at risk for hypoglycemia?
All the extra sugar and the extra insulin that is made can lead to fast growth and deposits of fat
. This means a larger baby. It also means a risk for low blood sugar right after birth. At that point, the mother's supply is no longer there, but the baby's insulin levels stay high.
Why are Macrosomic babies at risk of hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia: The link between macrosomia, increased cord C-peptide levels that reflects fetal insulin secretion, and neonatal hypoglycemia has long been known. The data collected by the HAPO study confirmed this relationship: neonatal hypoglycemia was
strongly associated with elevated cord serum C-peptide levels
[16].
Why do infants of diabetic mothers have hypoglycemia?
An IDM is more likely to have periods of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) shortly after birth, and during first few days of life. This is because
the baby has been used to getting more sugar than needed from the mother
. They have a higher insulin level than needed after birth. Insulin lowers the blood sugar.
Why does neonatal hypoglycemia occur?
Hypoglycemia can be caused by conditions such as:
Poor nutrition for the mother during pregnancy
.
Making too much insulin
because the mother has poorly controlled diabetes. Incompatible blood types of mother and baby (severe hemolytic disease of the newborn)
Can low blood sugar hurt my baby?
Does low blood sugar affect the baby?
Mild hypoglycemia is unlikely to harm the developing baby unless it could harm the mother
. In most cases, simply eating more or adjusting medication will prevent the risk of any harm. Women who have severe hypoglycemia may need to be hospitalized or monitored.
How is infant hypoglycemia treated?
Treatment includes
giving the baby a fast-acting source of glucose
. This may be as simple as a glucose and water mixture or formula as an early feeding. Or your baby may need glucose given through an IV. The baby's blood glucose levels are checked after treatment to see if the hypoglycemia occurs again.
Does hypoglycemia in newborns go away?
The outlook is good for newborns who do not have symptoms, or who respond well to treatment. However, low blood sugar
level can return in a small number of babies after treatment
. The condition is more likely to return when babies are taken off fluids given through a vein before they are fully ready to eat by mouth.
What is considered hypoglycemia in newborn?
In children, a blood glucose value of less than 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) represents hypoglycemia. A plasma glucose level of less than 30 mg/dL (1.65 mmol/L) in the first 24 hours of life and
less than 45 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L) thereafter
constitutes hypoglycemia in the newborn.
How do you prevent hypoglycemia in newborns?
Prevention of hypoglycemia in the newborn:
There may not be any way to prevent hypoglycemia, only to
watch carefully for the symptoms and treat as soon as possible
. Mothers with diabetes whose blood glucose levels are in tight control will have lower amounts of glucose that go to the fetus.
What happens to babies born to diabetic mothers?
Babies born to mothers with diabetes are at an
increased risk of developing low blood sugar or hypoglycemia shortly after birth
and during the first few days of life, since they are already producing an excess of insulin.
What happens to a baby when the mother is diabetic?
Birth defects usually occur in the first trimester of pregnancy. Babies of diabetic mothers may have major birth defects in
the heart and blood vessels, brain and spine, urinary system and kidneys, and digestive system
. Macrosomia. This is the term for a baby that is much larger than normal.
Does high blood sugar affect breast milk?
While diabetes can cause potential issues with breastfeeding, “they're not insurmountable,” said Lynn. Some situations to keep in mind: Building and maintaining milk supply.
Blood sugars that are out of range can contribute to how much milk you produce
.
Does hypoglycemia go away?
Hypoglycemia caused by sulfonylurea or long-acting insulin may take longer to resolve, but usually
goes away in one to two days
.
How long can a newborn have low blood sugar?
Usually, low blood glucose levels will only last for a few hours, but can last
up to 24-72 hours
. Once your baby's levels become normal, he shouldn't have further problems with hypoglycemia (another name for low blood glucose). In very rare cases, low blood sugar can be severe or last a long time.
How can you prevent hypoglycemia?
- Follow your meal plan.
- Eat at least three evenly spaced meals each day with between-meal snacks as prescribed.
- Plan your meals no more than 4 to 5 hours apart.
- Exercise 30 minutes to 1 hour after meals. …
- Double-check your insulin and dose of diabetes medicine before taking it.
