Hypoglycemia is a condition of blood sugar that falls below normal values. In addition to adults, this condition can occur in infants with diverse causes. Hypoglycemia in infants can be dangerous if not recognized and dealt with quickly and precisely.
Hypoglycemia is actually normal in newborns, but usually only temporary, and blood sugar levels will increase by 2-3 hours. The problem and need for supervision is when hypoglycemia persists. This is usually caused by certain medical conditions, and can endanger a baby's life.
Recognize the Causes of Hypoglycemia in Infants and their Risky Factors - Alodokter

Various Causes of Hypoglycemia in Infants

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 tumors
In infants, symptoms of hypoglycemia are sometimes not unique. However, there are some common symptoms that you can recognize, including babies who look limp and don't want to suckle. In severe conditions, the baby can cramp, stop breathing (apnea), and his lips and nails become bluish ( cyanosis ).

Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia in Infants

There are several conditions that can increase the risk of hypoglycemia in infants, namely:

1. Babies from diabetic mothers

Pregnant women who have diabetes will experience increased blood sugar levels. This high blood sugar can flow to the baby's blood circulation and trigger the production of insulin in the baby's body. When a baby is born, glucose intake from the placenta will drop, while the insulin level in the baby's body is still high. This situation will cause hypoglycemia in newborns.

2. Babies are too big or small during the womb

Large babies for pregnancy (BMK) and small babies for pregnancy (KMK) are equally at risk of experiencing hypoglycemia at birth. This is because babies with both conditions are usually born to women with glucose intolerance .

3. Premature babies or less- term babies

Glycogen reserves are usually only formed in the third trimester of pregnancy , so that if the baby is born prematurely , the glycogen supply will be less and faster used up. This can increase the risk of hypoglycemia in infants.

4. More months babies ( postmature baby )

Babies born over time, ie after 42 weeks' gestation, are also more at risk of developing hypoglycemia. In pregnancies above 42 weeks, the function of the placenta will decrease, so the fetus uses its glycogen reserves. Decreased glycogen reserves will make babies more likely to experience hypoglycemia.

5. Babies who are stressed during pregnancy and childbirth

Fetuses and babies who experience stress have a high metabolic rate and require more energy than other babies. If nutritional intake is insufficient for babies who experience stress during pregnancy and childbirth, they will be prone to hypoglycemia.
In addition, several other conditions, such as pregnant women who are active smokers, undergoing treatment, such as terbutalin , propanolol, and oral hypoglycemia, as well as mothers who receive intravenous glucose at delivery, are also at risk of giving birth to babies who are hypoglycemic.
Hypoglycemia in infants cannot 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 health and always routinely carry out prenatal checks with the obstetrician . The doctor will provide advice and monitoring according to the condition of the pregnant woman.