Alternative Names
High blood sugar – infants; High blood glucose level – infants
Definition of Hyperglycemia – infants
Hyperglycemia is abnormally high blood sugar. This article discusses hyperglycemia in infants.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
A healthy baby’s body usually has very careful control of blood glucose levels. Insulin is the main hormone in the body that regulates glucose. Sick babies may have poor insulin function or low amounts, which causes poor control of the blood sugar.
Symptoms
Babies with hyperglycemia often have no symptoms.
Signs and tests
A blood test to check glucose (blood sugar) levels can be done at the bedside or in a laboratory.
Expectations (prognosis)
There are usually no long-term effects from high blood sugar unless the baby has diabetes.
Review
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 11/2/2009
