P70: Transitory disorders of carbohydrate metabolism specific to fetus and newborn

P70.8: Other transitory disorders of carbohydrate metabolism of fetus and newborn

The body's cells need sugar to get energy. Sugar can be absorbed into the blood via food and the digestive system. Fluid and nutrients can also be administered directly into the blood vessels.

The pancreas produces the messenger substance insulin. Insulin ensures that the sugar from the blood is absorbed into the cells. If the sugar content of the blood is too high, the pancreas releases more insulin into the blood. As a result, the sugar level in the blood then drops back. If there is a disorder in the child’s sugar metabolism system, the sugar content of the blood can temporarily be too high or too low.