Which statement about neonatal glucose levels in the first hour after birth is true?

Which statement about neonatal glucose levels in the first hour after birth is true?

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not affected
• D. Varies

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is the rapid metabolic transition a newborn undergoes after birth. When the placenta no longer supplies maternal glucose, the infant has to switch to its own glucose production. During this immediate transition, blood glucose often falls and can fluctuate in the first hour after birth. This makes the statement true: neonatal glucose levels in the first hour after birth are not fixed and can be low or variable depending on how the baby begins feeding and how quickly their own glucose regulation ramps up. In healthy term infants who feed promptly, levels may stabilize, but until feeding establishes a steady supply, glucose can be low. Normal neonatal glucose is generally in the 40–60 mg/dL range, and levels below about 40 mg/dL may indicate hypoglycemia that requires prompt assessment and feeding or medical intervention if needed.

The key idea here is the rapid metabolic transition a newborn undergoes after birth. When the placenta no longer supplies maternal glucose, the infant has to switch to its own glucose production. During this immediate transition, blood glucose often falls and can fluctuate in the first hour after birth. This makes the statement true: neonatal glucose levels in the first hour after birth are not fixed and can be low or variable depending on how the baby begins feeding and how quickly their own glucose regulation ramps up. In healthy term infants who feed promptly, levels may stabilize, but until feeding establishes a steady supply, glucose can be low. Normal neonatal glucose is generally in the 40–60 mg/dL range, and levels below about 40 mg/dL may indicate hypoglycemia that requires prompt assessment and feeding or medical intervention if needed.