Some BC First Nations infants and children may be susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) during prolonged fasting and/or illnesses that could interfere with feeding due to a common genetic variant.
A medical guideline and parent brochure were developed as resources for primary care providers to help them discuss this information and support families. It is important to note that these resources are not recommended for broad public distribution, so we advise that you do not print and put copies on display for casual reading. One-on-one discussion between a primary care provider and family members in the sharing of this information is essential.
There are no print copies of these resources available for order, but you can download and print both the PDF brochure and guidelines.
The Medical Guideline for the Prevention and Management of Hypoglycemia in First Nation Infants and Young Children provides evidence-based information on the prevention and management of hypoglycemia in First Nations infants and young children.
The guideline includes information about a common genetic variant (P479L) in carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1a) that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in infants and young children. Clinicians need to provide information to First Nations families about healthy feeding practices with an aim to prevent hypoglycemia, especially during intercurrent illness or during periods of prolonged fasting.
This information should be integrated with other key prevention and health promotion messages, including breastfeeding and safe sleep promotion.
The parent resource Preventing Low Blood Sugar in Healthy First Nations Babies and Young Children includes risks for low blood sugar, symptoms, and prevention methods.
