Neonatal hypoglycemia can be categorized into temporary and persistent, temporary is usually observed for 1~2 days and persistent needs to be observed for 3~5 days.
1. Temporary hypoglycemia: It means that the duration of hypoglycemia is short, usually not exceeding the neonatal period (from birth to less than 28 days), and the main reason is that the neonate’s body has insufficient energy reserves, increased glucose consumption, and temporary elevation of insulin and other reasons.
It can be treated by feeding or intravenous glucose, which can usually be gradually discontinued after 24 hours of stabilization, and therefore observed for 1 to 2 days.
2. Persistent hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia can usually last until infancy or childhood. It is mainly related to genetic defects, heredity or congenital endocrine dysfunction. Newborns may show symptoms such as lethargy, pallor and hypothermia. Treatment with glucose injections and medication usually takes 3 to 5 days, and frequent monitoring of blood glucose is also necessary after stabilization.
It is recommended that newborns with symptoms of hypoglycemia should consult the nearest hospital in a timely manner for diagnosis and intervention by a specialist.