In newborn infants at risk of hypoglycaemia does prophylactic oral dextrose gel compared to placebo reduce the incidence of hypoglycaemia (any blood glucose concentration < 2.6 mM).

Babies who received any dose of dextrose gel were less likely to develop hypoglycaemia than those who received placebo. A single dose of 200mg/kg dextrose gel was most effective and best tolerated. Rates of NICU admission were similar, but admission for hypoglycaemia was less common in babies randomised to dextrose gel. Rates of breastfeeding were similar in both groups. Adverse effects were uncommon and not different between groups. At two years of age there was no difference between any of the groups in the risk of neurosensory impairment or low executive function, or in any of the secondary outcomes. Prophylactic dextrose gel appears safe to two years' corrected age, but this study was underpowered to detect potentially clinically important effects on neurosensory outcomes.