Encyclopedia entry
36 - Glucose Metabolism in the Fetus and Newborn, and Methods for Its Investigation
Fetal and Neonatal Physiology, pp.358-368.e3
Elsevier Inc, Sixth Edition
2022
Abstract
Glucose is a crucial metabolic fuel for the fetus and newborn. This chapter discusses how metabolic tracers and other experimental approaches have elucidated the details of maternal-fetal glucose interactions. The fetus is dependent upon glucose supplied by the maternal circulation via the placenta. Fetal glucose levels are modulated by maternal glycemia, placental glucose consumption, and fetal metabolic needs. In addition to transporting maternal glucose to the fetus, the placenta metabolizes glucose for its own energetic and biosynthetic needs, and may play an important role in exporting glucose-derived fuels, especially lactate, to the fetus. As term approaches, hepatic glycogen accumulation and incipient enzymatic expression prepare for the abrupt cessation of the glucose supply from the maternal circulation. Thereafter, feeding, glycogenolysis, and gluconeogenesis then maintain newborn blood glucose levels. Dynamic hormonal regulation is crucial to the maintenance of glucose levels in response to changing conditions. The newborn period carries risk for both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. The dominant role of insulin in regulating newborn glucose levels is highlighted, especially with regard to disorders of insulin secretion.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- 36 - Glucose Metabolism in the Fetus and Newborn, and Methods for Its Investigation
- Creators
- Sarah A. WernimontAndrew W. Norris
- Resource Type
- Encyclopedia entry
- Publication Details
- Fetal and Neonatal Physiology, pp.358-368.e3
- Edition
- Sixth Edition
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2022
- Academic Unit
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Endocrinology and Diabetes
- Record Identifier
- 9984297354302771
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