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Glycemic Control Fosters Delivery of Normal Weight Infants

Posted: Monday, November 15, 2004

Infants of diabetic mothers have previously been reported to differ in body weight and composition from those of nondiabetic mothers, the authors point out, and this might explain the higher incidence of shoulder dystocia among diabetic women.

In light of improved diabetic control in recent years, Dr. Eliezer Shalev from Ha'Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel and colleagues investigated whether anthropometric measurements differed between infants of 67 nondiabetic mothers and those of 67 diabetic mothers following strict glycemic control.

Mean birth weights did not differ significantly between the infants of diabetic and nondiabetic mothers, the authors report, nor did the number of infants whose birth weights were above the 90th or below the 10th percentile. None of the anthropometric measurements or calculated indices differed between the 2 groups of infants.

Moreover, among the 11 neonates in each group with birth weights of at least 4000 grams, the researchers note, there were no significant differences in anthropometric parameters. Neonatal outcomes were similar in both groups and there were no cases of shoulder dystocia in either group.

There were more cesarean deliveries in the diabetic group (34%) than in the control group (16%), but the researchers say this difference likely resulted from differences in their department's policy regarding delivery mode for diabetic and nondiabetic women.

In fact, Dr. Shalev stated that, "these women have the same chance for vaginal delivery as those who are not diabetic."

In conclusion, he urged diabetic women to follow a proper diet during pregnancy and, like other pregnant women, to take folic acid daily.

Source: Diabetes In Control.com: