Care of Infants Born to Women with Diabetes

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Infants of women with diabetes are at risk for specific morbidities including congenital anomalies, abnormalities of fetal growth, neonatal hypoglycemia, electrolyte abnormalities, polycythemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and respiratory distress syndrome. Recent studies have shed light on long-term outcomes of these infants and presented advances in treatment. The purpose of this review is to outline the most common neonatal morbidities affecting infants of women with diabetes, the pathophysiology and prevalence of these conditions, and contemporary approaches to treatment. Recent Findings: Recent investigative findings have led to advances in treatment approaches for these infants, particularly regarding risks of neonatal hypoglycemia. Summary: Optimizing maternal glycemic control during pregnancy is imperative to improving infant outcomes. However, on a population level, maternal diabetes still poses significant risks to the infant. Timely and appropriate treatment of infants of women with diabetes is imperative to decrease short- and long-term morbidity.