Under what blood sugar (BS) is a neonate considered hypoglycemic?

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

Answer: (D)

Neonatal hypoglycemia is defined by a低 blood glucose level after birth, with a common threshold of less than 45 mg/dL. This level is chosen because newborns have limited glucose stores and rely on a steady supply of glucose for brain energy. After birth, the mother’s glucose supply stops and insulin levels in some infants can remain high, increasing the risk that brain glucose becomes inadequate as levels dip. When a neonate falls below 45 mg/dL, the priority is prompt feeding to restore normal glucose, and escalate to IV dextrose if the infant cannot feed or if glucose remains low or there are concerning symptoms. This threshold helps balance preventing neuro effects from hypoglycemia with avoiding overdiagnosis in infants who can maintain adequate glucose at slightly higher levels.