GIR Calculator
Glucose Infusion Rate (mg/kg/min) for neonates
Calculate Glucose Infusion Rate
GIR formula
GIR (mg/kg/min) = (rate mL/hr × dextrose %) ÷ (6 × weight kg)
The constant 6 converts % dextrose to mg/mL (×10) and hours to minutes (÷60): (10 ÷ 60) = 1/6.
Worked example
A 1.25 kg infant receiving D10W at 5 mL/hr:
(5 × 10) ÷ (6 × 1.25) = 50 ÷ 7.5 = 6.67 mg/kg/min
Target GIR ranges (neonates)
- 4–6 mg/kg/min — typical starting GIR
- 6–12 mg/kg/min — usual maintenance range
- >12–14 mg/kg/min — suggests hyperinsulinism or persistent hypoglycemia; consider endocrine workup
Frequently asked
How do you calculate GIR with TPN?
Sum the dextrose load from every line (TPN, maintenance fluids, medication drips) and use the combined effective dextrose concentration and total rate.
What's the difference between GIR and dextrose %?
Dextrose % is the concentration in the bag; GIR is the actual glucose the baby receives per kg per minute. The same D10W delivers different GIRs at different rates and weights.
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