GuidelinesIMCI
Prevent and Treat Low Blood Sugar - Hypoglycaemia (Age 2 months up to 5 years)
IMCI - Child (Age 2 months up to 5 years)
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Explain to the caregiver why the medicine is given
Determine the dose appropriate for the child’s weight (or age)
Measure the dose accurately
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Prevent Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
If the child is able to swallow:
- If breastfed: ask the mother to breastfeed the child, or give expressed breastmilk
- If not breastfed: give a breastmilk substitute or sugar water. Give 30 - 50 ml of milk or sugar water before the child leaves the facility
- To make sugar water: Dissolve 4 level teaspoons of sugar (20 grams) in a 200ml cup of clean water.
If the child is not able to swallow:
- Insert nasogastric tube and check the position of the tube
Treat for Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
Low blood sugar < 3 mmol/L in a child
- Suspect low blood sugar in any infant or child that:
- is convulsing, unconscious or lethargic; OR
- has a temperature below 35ºC - Children with severe malnutrition are particularly likely to be hypoglycaemic
- Confirm low blood sugar using blood glucose testing strips
Treat with:
- 10% Glucose - 5 ml for every kg body weight - by nasogastric tube OR intravenous line
- Keep warm
- Refer urgently and continue feeds during transfer
If neonatalyte not available add 1 part 50% dextrose water to 4 parts water to make 10% solution
Give Stabilising Feed
- Encourage the caregiver to continue breastfeeding and giving F-75 during referral
- Give one feed immediately. Repeat two hourly until the child reaches the hospital
- Keep the child warm
| Weight | F - 75 |
| 3.0 - < 5 kg | 60 ml |
| 5 - < 8 kg | 90 ml |
| ≥ 8 kg | 120 ml |
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness 2022; Child (Age 2 months up to 5 years); Treatments in Clinic Only; Prevent Low Blood Sugar, Treat Low Blood Sugar, Stabilising Feed (F-75)
Last checked for updates: June 2023