A lower than normal level of sugar (glucose) in the blood, usually diagnosed when whole blood glucose levels are lower than 20-40 mg/dl. Glucose supply to the brain is probably more important for brain metabolism than oxygen in the newborn. This is because oxygen consumption is relatively low in the newborn brain and minimal in cerebral white matter. The major source of brain glucose is the blood supply, both before and after birth, and if it is restricted, as in cases of intrauterine growth restriction it can lead to brain damage. One commonly used treatment consists of an immediate intravenous glucose infusion of 2mL/kg of dextrose-in-water solution, followed by a continuous infusion of dextrose at 6-8 mg/kg/min to maintain a constant supply to ensure metabolic needs and to prevent hypoglycaemia.
See Glucose intolerance, Intrauterine growth restriction or retardation (IUGR), Preterm infant, Very (or extremely) preterm birth