Management of Infants of Diabetic Mothers on the Postnatal Ward

 

 Reviewed by Salim Aftimos
July
2004
Clinical Guidelines Back Newborn Services Home Page

See also Guideline on Management of Hypoglycaemia


Management of Hypoglycaemia on the Postnatal Ward

  • If a blood glucose is <2.2mmol/L
  • Refer to the paediatric registrar, NS-ANP, or SHO.
  • The baby may need admission to NICU for IV dextrose.
  • If blood glucose is <2.6mmol/L but >2.2mmol/L
  • Give a further breast feed or complement of NIF and repeat blood glucose in one hour.
  • Inform the paediatric registrar, NS-ANP, or SHO.
  • If the repeat blood glucose is <2.6mmol/L
  • Refer to paediatric registrar, NS-ANP, or SHO.
  • Will probably need admission to NICU.
  • If the baby shows signs of hypoglycaemia, e.g. jitteriness
  • Take blood glucose measurement then give a complement feed of NIF immediately.
  • Complement Feeds
  • Amounts are dependent on whether or not the baby has fed at the breast.
  • NICU work on 90ml/kg/24 hours as being the full amount.
  • If the baby has fed at the breast assume that half the amount or more is being supplied as colostrum. Therefore a complement feed is 45ml/kg/day.
  • If the baby has not fed at all then the full amount (i.e., 90ml/kg/24 hours) could be offered.