Millions of newborns worldwide are at risk of neonatal hypoglycemia, particularly those born premature, underweight or sick. If not detected quickly, low blood sugar can cause seizures, brain injury and lifelong developmental problems, so early testing and treatment are essential.
A team led by researchers at the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies published a study in BMC Pediatrics that evaluated 11 commonly available point-of-care glucometers. These small handheld devices are widely used by adults with diabetes, and the researchers wanted to see whether any low-cost models could be adapted safely for newborn care in low-resource settings.
Lead author Meaghan Bond and colleagues recreated neonatal blood conditions in the laboratory by modifying adult blood samples to match newborn glucose concentrations and hematocrit ranges. Each glucometer reading was compared with a clinical laboratory analyzer used as the gold standard. The devices were judged on accuracy at neonatal ranges and on consumable cost.
Results showed several low-cost meters performed reliably. Top performers included Accu-Chek Guide, GuideMe, Instant and Performa. Coauthor Rebecca Richards-Kortum said the findings give clinicians evidence-based choices where specialized neonatal meters are unaffordable. The work supports NEST360 and involved pediatrician coauthors in Nigeria and Malawi. The study was supported through NEST360 with thanks to the Gates Foundation, ELMA Philanthropies, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, The Lemelson Foundation, Sall Family Foundation, and the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation.
Difficult words
- neonatal — relating to newborn babies in first weeks
- hypoglycemia — low blood sugar that can harm the brain
- premature — born before the normal time of birth
- point-of-care glucometer — small device that measures blood sugar quicklypoint-of-care glucometers
- hematocrit — proportion of red blood cells in blood
- accuracy — how close measurements are to the true value
- low-resource setting — place with limited money and medical supplieslow-resource settings
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is early testing and treatment for neonatal hypoglycemia important?
- Do you think low-cost glucometers should be used in low-resource hospitals? Why or why not?
- What practical challenges might clinics face when they adapt adult glucometers for newborn care?
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