Hypoglycaemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and the body.

In a newborn baby, low blood sugar can happen for many reasons. Babies most at risk are those who are:

• born premature (especially with low birth weights)
• born small or large for their gestational age
• born under significant stress 
• born to mothers with diabetes or who have been treated with certain medicines.

Hypoglycaemia can cause problems such as shakiness, blue tint to the skin, and breathing and feeding problems.

Treatment will depend on your baby's gestational age and overall health. Treatment includes giving the baby a fast-acting source of glucose. This may be as simple as a glucose and water mixture or formula as an early feeding. Or your baby may need glucose given through an IV.