Why do some newborns have low sugar?

It is normal for a baby's blood sugar to drop slightly after birth. However, if it stays too low, it can damage the brain.

Transient Causes:

• Prematurity: The baby doesn't have enough stored sugar (glycogen).
• Diabetic Mother: If mom had high sugar, the baby got used to making lots of insulin. After birth, the sugar supply stops, but the baby's insulin is still high, causing a crash. (Resolves in a few days).

Persistent Causes (Hyperinsulinism):

A rare genetic condition where the baby's pancreas releases insulin constantly (like an "inverse diabetes").

Treatment:

• Feeding: Frequent formula/breastfeeding or IV sugar water (Dextrose).
• Medication: Diazoxide (a medicine that stops insulin release) is used for persistent cases.
• Surgery: Partial pancreas removal is needed for severe Hyperinsulinism.