Abstract

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding is universally recommended for newborns due to its numerous benefits. However, high-risk infants, such as those with low birth weight or born to diabetic mothers, are susceptible to neonatal hypoglycemia, necessitating careful monitoring and sometimes supplemental feeding.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess blood glucose patterns in exclusively breastfed low birth weight and high-risk infants within the first 48 hours of life. Specific objectives included evaluating incidence rates of hypoglycemia in these populations and documenting the duration of exclusive breastfeeding up to six months.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over two years at Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, involving 160 infants meeting inclusion criteria. Blood glucose levels were monitored at specified intervals using AccuSure Pro Glucometer, with data collected through punctured heel blood samples.
Results: Among the 160 infants studied, 55.4% of low birth weight infants and a significant portion of high-risk infants experienced hypoglycemia within the first 48 hours. Factors such as birth weight, gestational age, and maternal health significantly influenced glucose levels.
Conclusion: The study highlights the prevalence of hypoglycemia in exclusively breastfed high-risk newborns, emphasizing the need for targeted monitoring and early intervention strategies to optimize neonatal health outcomes.