Glucose is the primary substrate for energy metabolism in the brain and although the brain is dependent on a constant glucose supply for normal function, both local energy stores and the supply of alternate substrates are limited. In utero, the placenta provides a continuous supply of glucose to the fetus while transition to extrauterine life marks an abrupt change in substrate delivery and a major change in glucose metabolism where insufficiencies and disruptions can occur. Hypoglycemia is one of the most common biochemical disturbances in the neonatal period, affecting a wide range of neonates.
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