the most common form of childhood hypoglycemia after the neonatal period; usually presents between the ages of 18 months and 5 years and resolves spontaneously by late childhood. Episodes usually occur during minor illnesses and are characterized by inordinate sleepiness and decreased appetite; in susceptible children, fasting for more than 8-16 hours often precipitates symptoms; probably attributable to a defect in gluconeogenesis and inadequate glycogen stores.
