Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, in neonates rarely causes symptoms. Premature infants are more prone to develop hyperglycemia, as reported by the Merck Manual Home Edition, because of their decreased ability to regulate their blood sugar. The most common cause of hyperglycemia is related to treatment the neonate is receiving, such as infusion of dextrose solution in IV form. Hyperglycemia can also be caused by physiological stress related to surgery, sepsis, hypoxia and respiratory distress syndrome.
Premature Babies and Hyperglycemia
Premature babies sometimes require an infusion of a sugar, or dextrose, solution because they have difficulty regulating their blood sugars. This infusion of dextrose can cause hyperglycemia if given too fast for the infant to process. Unfortunately, hyperglycemia in infants rarely shows symptoms, however, serum blood sugar tests should be done when a dextrose infusion is being used so that accurate and consistent monitoring of the infant's blood sugar can detect for potential hyperglycemia.
Increased Urine Output & Dehydration
According to The New York Times, babies may produce a large amount of urine and become dehydrated due to the excess of glucose in their blood stream. Dehydration in an infant may be a sign of hyperglycemia, and symptoms of dehydration may include a decrease in urine output, sunken eyes and depressed fontanels, or soft spots on the head. The New York Times also reports that it is more common for babies to show no signs of hyperglycemia.
No Typical Symptoms of Hyperglycemia in Infants
Infants rarely show signs of hyperglycemia. The underlying cause of the increase in blood sugar may cause symptoms that will lead to the discovery of the hyperglycemia and therefore its resolution. In situations where hyperglycemia is a possibility, such as dextrose infusion, surgery and illness, blood glucose levels should be periodically checked to detect a rise.
