Last updated July 12, 2026
Key finding
The risk of hypoglycaemia was lowest in babies randomised to a single dose of 200 mg/kg dextrose gel (RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.47–0.99, p = 0.04).
This study evaluated the effectiveness of buccal dextrose gel in preventing neonatal hypoglycaemia. It found that a single dose of 200 mg/kg dextrose gel significantly reduced the incidence of hypoglycaemia.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
High Risk
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study evaluated the effectiveness of buccal dextrose gel in preventing neonatal hypoglycaemia. It found that a single dose of 200 mg/kg dextrose gel significantly reduced the incidence of hypoglycaemia.
Preventing neonatal hypoglycaemia is crucial as it can lead to serious health issues. This study suggests that buccal dextrose gel is an effective intervention that can reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia in newborns, potentially decreasing hospital admissions and improving health outcomes for infants.
Limited sample size may affect the generalizability of results. The study did not assess long-term outcomes beyond six weeks. No detailed information on baseline characteristics of participants.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Joanne EH, Jane EH, Gregory DG, et al. Buccal Dextrose Gel to Prevent Neonatal Hypoglycaemia: A Randomised Controlled Trial. PLOS Medicine. 2016;13(10):e1002155. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002155
The risk of hypoglycaemia was significantly lower in infants receiving 200 mg/kg dextrose gel (RR 0.68; p = 0.04).
Admission for hypoglycaemia was less common in infants receiving dextrose gel (RR 0.46; p = 0.05).
NICU admission rates were similar across all groups (RR 0.64; p = 0.19).
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to 40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg), 40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) and Incidence of hypoglycaemia, Number of NICU admissions, Rate of admission for hypoglycaemia, and 2 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg)
Primary outcomes
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
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Related topics
10
Evidence pairs
0
Related studies
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) → Incidence of hypoglycaemia
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) → Incidence of hypoglycaemia
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) → Number of NICU admissions
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) → Number of NICU admissions
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) → Rate of admission for hypoglycaemia
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) → Rate of admission for hypoglycaemia
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) → Rate of breastfeeding at 6 weeks
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) → Rate of breastfeeding at 6 weeks
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) → Rate of breastfeeding at discharge
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) → Rate of breastfeeding at discharge
40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) → Incidence of hypoglycaemia
40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) → Incidence of hypoglycaemia
40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) → Number of NICU admissions
40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) → Number of NICU admissions
40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) → Rate of admission for hypoglycaemia
40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) → Rate of admission for hypoglycaemia
40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) → Rate of breastfeeding at 6 weeks
40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) → Rate of breastfeeding at 6 weeks
40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) → Rate of breastfeeding at discharge
40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) → Rate of breastfeeding at discharge
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on 40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) and Rate of admission for hypoglycaemia, 40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) and Rate of breastfeeding at 6 weeks.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies on 40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg)
Contributes to 40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) evidence base.
All studies measuring Rate of admission for hypoglycaemia
Measures Rate of admission for hypoglycaemia as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Rate of breastfeeding at 6 weeks
Measures Rate of breastfeeding at 6 weeks as a key outcome.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) appears to improve Incidence of hypoglycaemia.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Incidence of hypoglycaemia
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
40% dextrose gel (200 mg/kg) appears to improve Rate of admission for hypoglycaemia.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Rate of admission for hypoglycaemia
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) appears to improve Incidence of hypoglycaemia.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Incidence of hypoglycaemia
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
40% dextrose gel (400 mg/kg) appears to improve Rate of admission for hypoglycaemia.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Rate of admission for hypoglycaemia
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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