FREQUENCY OF HYPOGLYCEMIA IN INFANT DELIVERED TO FEMALES WITH HISTORY OF DIABETES

Abstract

Background: Neonatal hypoglycemia is a common, serious metabolic complication in infants born to diabetic mothers. Early identification is vital to prevent adverse neurological outcomes.

Objective: To determine the frequency of neonatal hypoglycemia in infants delivered to females with a history of diabetes in pregnancy and evaluate associated maternal clinical determinants.

Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 150 neonates presenting within 1–12 hours of life to diabetic mothers at Imran Idrees Teaching Hospital, Sialkot. Very preterm (<32 weeks), very low birth weight (<1.5 kg), and jaundiced infants were excluded. Capillary blood glucose was measured using Accu-Chek glucometers. Hypoglycemia was defined as blood glucose <40 mg/dL. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25 with Chi-square and t-tests applied post-stratification (p≤0.05).

Results: Neonatal hypoglycemia occurred in 40.0% (n=60/150; 95% CI: 32.1%–48.3%) of infants. Hypoglycemia was significantly higher in offspring of mothers with chronic pre-existing diabetes (79.1%, n=34/43) compared to gestational diabetes (24.3%, n=26/107; p<0.001). Maternal anti-glycemic regimen strongly predicted hypoglycemia (p<0.001), with highest rates in dual therapy (81.0%) and insulin monotherapy (76.9%) versus oral agents (24.5%) and dietary control (2.4%). Infant gender (p=0.526), mode of delivery (p=0.763), and birth weight (p=0.333) showed no significant associations.

Conclusion: Neonatal hypoglycemia affects 40% of infants born to diabetic mothers. Maternal chronic diabetes and insulin requirements are the primary drivers of risk. Mandatory post-natal blood glucose screening is essential for early intervention.