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Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) in Premature Infants

Because premature infants have high energy needs and low energy stores (glycogen), they are prone to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

An infant with hypoglycemia is fed sugar (glucose) intravenously, given more frequent oral feedings, or both. When he or she can eat the amount of milk needed, his or her blood sugar levels will reach normal levels. Then the doctor can stop giving glucose to the infant.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Last Revised April 14, 2011

Last Revised: April 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & John Pope, MD - Pediatrics

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