Dextrose gel is a concentrated solution of dextrose, a simple sugar identical to glucose. Formulated as an oral gel, it is designed for quick absorption when applied to mucous membranes. This allows rapid entry into the bloodstream, providing a readily available energy source.
Primary Use for Neonatal Hypoglycemia
Dextrose gel is primarily used to manage neonatal hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels in newborns. This occurs when the baby’s body cannot produce or utilize enough glucose to meet its metabolic demands. Blood glucose levels below 40-45 mg/dL are considered hypoglycemic in full-term infants.
Several factors increase a newborn’s risk of developing low blood sugar. Infants born to mothers with diabetes are particularly susceptible due to previous exposure to high glucose levels in utero, which can lead to increased insulin production. Premature infants, born before 37 weeks of gestation, have immature glucose regulation systems and limited glucose stores.
Small for gestational age (SGA) babies may have inadequate glycogen reserves, while large for gestational age (LGA) infants have increased insulin levels. Dextrose gel serves as a primary, non-invasive intervention for addressing low blood sugar episodes. Administering the gel quickly elevates blood glucose levels, potentially preventing the need for more invasive treatments.
How Dextrose Gel Is Administered
Dextrose gel is administered via buccal administration. A measured dose is squeezed from a dispenser and applied to the inside of the newborn’s cheek. Healthcare professionals then massage the cheek to facilitate absorption.
This method allows dextrose to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the rich network of blood vessels in the mucous membranes lining the mouth. Rapid absorption quickly raises the infant’s blood glucose levels. Following gel administration, the newborn is encouraged to feed to provide sustained glucose and stabilize blood sugar. This procedure is performed by trained healthcare professionals within a clinical environment, ensuring proper dosage and monitoring.
Influence on Early Infant Care Practices
The availability and use of dextrose gel have influenced early infant care practices by supporting family-centered approaches. Historically, newborns experiencing hypoglycemia often required admission to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for intravenous (IV) glucose therapy. This led to the separation of mother and infant, disrupting early bonding and feeding attempts.
By providing a non-invasive, effective treatment, dextrose gel helps prevent these separations. Infants who respond well can remain with their mothers, fostering skin-to-skin contact and promoting breastfeeding. This approach supports the mother-infant dyad, allowing for uninterrupted bonding and natural feeding progression. The gel’s use reinforces practices that prioritize keeping families together, minimizing medical interventions that might otherwise separate them.