NEONATAL HYPOGLYCEMIA: METABOLIC MECHANISM, CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS, AND PREVENTION

Abstract

Neonatal hypoglycemia is a frequent condition in the postnatal period, associated with significant clinical and metabolic repercussions. This study aimed to analyze neonatal hypoglycemia from the perspective of the metabolic mechanisms involved, its clinical implications, and prevention strategies. This is a literature review, with a qualitative and descriptive approach, conducted using the PICO strategy. The search was performed in the SciELO, LILACS, and MEDLINE databases, using descriptors related to neonatal hypoglycemia, metabolism, and prevention, combined with Boolean operators. Articles published between 2020 and 2025, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, available in full text, were included. Ten studies were selected after applying the eligibility and screening criteria. The results showed that neonatal hypoglycemia has a multifactorial etiology, highlighting mechanisms such as hyperinsulinism, immaturity of metabolic pathways, and increased energy consumption, especially in conditions such as hypothermia. Furthermore, effective prevention and management strategies were identified, including thermal control, skin-to-skin contact, encouragement of breastfeeding, administration of dextrose gel, and the implementation of care protocols such as the "Golden Hour." The relevance of professional training, through methodologies such as telesimulation, was also observed. It is concluded that understanding the metabolic mechanisms associated with neonatal hypoglycemia is essential for the adoption of safe and effective care practices. The implementation of preventive strategies and the strengthening of health education are fundamental for reducing complications and promoting better neonatal outcomes.