Which value correctly defines neonatal hypoglycemia?

Which value correctly defines neonatal hypoglycemia?

• A. <60 mg/dL
• B. <50 mg/dL
• C. <45 mg/dL
• D. <70 mg/dL

Answer: (C)

Neonatal hypoglycemia is defined by a glucose level that falls below what the newborn brain needs to function safely in the immediate postnatal period. The commonly used cutoff is 45 mg/dL. Below this value, the risk of neuroglycopenia increases, so clinicians monitor closely and initiate treatment to raise the glucose, starting with feeding and progressing to IV dextrose if needed. This threshold strikes a balance: higher values would over-diagnose hypoglycemia in many normal newborns, while lower values could miss infants who are at risk for neurologic injury. Therefore, 45 mg/dL is the standard definition.

Neonatal hypoglycemia is defined by a glucose level that falls below what the newborn brain needs to function safely in the immediate postnatal period. The commonly used cutoff is 45 mg/dL. Below this value, the risk of neuroglycopenia increases, so clinicians monitor closely and initiate treatment to raise the glucose, starting with feeding and progressing to IV dextrose if needed. This threshold strikes a balance: higher values would over-diagnose hypoglycemia in many normal newborns, while lower values could miss infants who are at risk for neurologic injury. Therefore, 45 mg/dL is the standard definition.