Dextrose Gel Can Prevent Hypoglycemic Babies From Being Separated From Mother

Updated February 27, 2017 This content is archived.

UB researchers have found that a non-invasive treatment of dextrose gel administered into a baby’s cheek, along with regular feedings, can raise the blood sugar of babies with hypoglycemia, allowing them to stay with their mothers, which promotes breastfeeding, and eliminating the need for intravenous fluids.

“Birthing is stressful enough, it’s further upsetting to a young mother, especially a first-time mother, if she is not able to breastfeed her baby because of low glucose so that the baby needs IV therapy,” said Satyan Lakshminrusimha, MD, professor and vice chair of pediatrics.