What is defined as blood glucose less than 45 mg/dL in newborns?

Hypoglycemia is defined as a condition where the blood glucose level falls below a certain threshold, which in newborns is less than 45 mg/dL. This condition is particularly significant in infants because low blood glucose can lead to serious complications, including seizures and brain injury. The physiological needs of newborns for glucose are high, especially due to their rapid growth and the energy demands of their developing brains.

Recognizing hypoglycemia in newborns is crucial for prompt treatment, which may involve administering dextrose to quickly elevate blood sugar levels and prevent long-term effects. It is essential for caregivers and healthcare providers to monitor blood glucose levels in at-risk infants, such as those who are premature or have diabetic mothers, to ensure timely intervention when necessary.

Other choices like hyperglycemia refer to elevated blood glucose levels, which is fundamentally different from hypoglycemia. Normal glycemia indicates blood glucose levels within the normal range, while diabetes is a broader condition characterized by chronic high blood glucose levels and does not specifically relate to a single blood glucose reading in a newborn.