Prevention of Hypoglucosemia by Fructose in Infants of Diabetic Mothers

Abstract

HYPOGLUCOSEMIA occurs consistently in infants of insulin-dependent diabetic mothers during the initial hours of life.1 2 3 4 Previous studies have not clearly related symptomatology to the level of blood glucose.5 6 7 Furthermore, the effect of hypoglucosemia on mortality, morbidity and ultimate mental development is not well defined.The following observations suggest that subtle as well as overt symptoms regularly occur in the initial hours of life in association with hypoglucosemia. Fructose administration was found to alleviate symptoms and to alter the course of blood glucose.MethodsIn addition to the methods and material previously described4 7 infants received fructose directly into the umbilical . . .