Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is an important cause of neonatal mortality, morbidity and poor neurological outcome.¹ Hypoglycaemia as a consequence of IUGR is a major risk factor for neurodevelopmental impairment. The factors that predispose these patients to hypoglycaemia include failure of counter-regulation, immaturity of the enzyme systems regulating glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, ketogenesis, reduced adipose tissue stores, hyperinsulinism or increased sensitivity to insulin.^2–4 Hypoglycaemia in patients with IUGR is usually thought to be transient, lasting for a few days. However, the precise duration …