MEDICALNeonatal CareHealth Calculator
🩺

Glucose Infusion Rate (GIR)

GIR measures glucose delivered per kg body weight per minute (mg/kg/min). Critical for neonatal and pediatric care to manage IV dextrose therapy and prevent hypoglycemia.

Calculate GIRUse the calculator below to check your health metrics

Why This Health Metric Matters

Why: GIR is essential for managing glucose homeostasis in neonates and pediatric patients. Proper GIR prevents hypoglycemia while avoiding hyperglycemia.

How: GIR = (Dextrose % × 10 × Fluid rate mL/hr) ÷ (Weight kg × 6). Target range 6-8 mg/kg/min for most neonates.

  • ●6-8 mg/kg/min optimal for most neonates
  • ●Very low GIR risks hypoglycemia
  • ●Above 12 mg/kg/min may indicate hyperinsulinism
Sources:Neonatal glucose guidelines

Clinical Scenarios

👶 Term Newborn (Standard)

Healthy term newborn on standard maintenance fluids

Click to use this scenario

🍼 Premature Infant (32 weeks)

Preterm infant requiring higher glucose delivery

Click to use this scenario

⚠️ Infant of Diabetic Mother

High-risk infant with increased glucose requirements

Click to use this scenario

📉 IUGR Infant

Growth-restricted infant at risk for hypoglycemia

Click to use this scenario

🏥 Pediatric DKA Recovery

Pediatric patient recovering from diabetic ketoacidosis

Click to use this scenario

GIR Calculation Inputs

Primary Inputs (Required)

Patient weight in kilograms
Dextrose concentration in IV fluid
IV fluid infusion rate in mL per hour

Patient Information

Age category affects target GIR range
For neonates - gestational age at birth
Current age of patient
Unit for patient age

Clinical Context

Reason for glucose infusion
Most recent blood glucose measurement

Risk Factors

Mother has diabetes (gestational or pre-existing)
Born before 37 weeks gestation
Intrauterine growth restriction
At risk for or has sepsis

⚠️For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before acting on results.

🏥 Health Facts

🩺

GIR target 6-8 mg/kg/min for most neonates

— Neonatal guidelines

What is Glucose Infusion Rate (GIR)?

Glucose Infusion Rate (GIR) measures the amount of glucose delivered to a patient per kilogram of body weight per minute. It is expressed in mg/kg/min and is a critical parameter in neonatal and pediatric care for managing glucose homeostasis, preventing hypoglycemia, and providing adequate metabolic support.

Metabolic Support

GIR provides essential glucose for brain function and cellular metabolism in patients who cannot feed orally.

Target Ranges:

  • Term Neonates: 4-8 mg/kg/min
  • Preterm: 5-8 mg/kg/min
  • Children: 3-6 mg/kg/min

Hypoglycemia Prevention

Maintaining adequate GIR prevents dangerous hypoglycemia in at-risk neonates and during NPO periods.

At-Risk Groups:

  • Infants of diabetic mothers
  • Preterm infants
  • Small for gestational age

Dosing Optimization

GIR calculations help clinicians optimize dextrose concentration and infusion rates for each patient.

Adjustment Options:

  • Change dextrose concentration
  • Adjust infusion rate
  • Add secondary glucose source

How is GIR Calculated?

Calculation Steps

Standard Formula

GIR (mg/kg/min) = (Dextrose % x Rate mL/hr) / (Weight kg x 6)

Detailed Formula

GIR = (Dextrose % x Rate x 1000) / (Weight x 100 x 60)

Where 1000 converts to mg, 100 accounts for %, and 60 converts to minutes

Example Calculation

3.5 kg infant on D10W at 14 mL/hr:

GIR = (10 x 14) / (3.5 x 6) = 140 / 21 = 6.67 mg/kg/min

When to Calculate GIR

Neonatal Hypoglycemia

Calculate GIR for any neonate receiving IV glucose to prevent and treat hypoglycemia.

Glucose <45 mg/dL requires intervention

NPO Patients

Patients who cannot eat need IV glucose to maintain blood sugar levels.

Surgical, respiratory support, feeding intolerance
👈 START HERE
⬅️Jump in and explore the concept!
AI