Abstract
Hyperinsulinism is postulated to be related to three major abnormalities in the infant of the diabetic mother (IDM): postnatal hypoglycemia, macrosomia, and hyaline membrane disease (HMD). To test these associations we measured free C-peptide in cord serum of infants of gestational and insulin-requiring diabetics. Free C-peptide levels measure endogenous insulin secretion independent of interfering antibodies. No significant correlation was found between free C-peptide and gestational age in IDM's. IDM's who developed hypoglycemia (serum glucose<30 mg/dl in the first 6 postnatal hours) had significantly (p<0.025) higher cord free C-peptide levels as compared to those without hypoglycemia (7.37±1.23 ng/ml, n=37 vs. 3.91±0.69, n=35, mean±SEM). IDM's with birth weight above the 90th %-ile for gestational age had significantly (p<0.05) higher cord free C-peptide levels as compared to those with birthweight below the 90th %-ile (7.51±1.46, n=31 vs. 4.18±0.60, n=43). 7 IDM's who developed HMD did not have significantly elevated cord free C-peptide levels as compared to 71 IDM's without HMD. The lower than expected incidence of HMD in this series precludes a definitive evaluation of the relationship of hyperinsulinism to HMD in the IDM. We conclude that hyperinsulinism in the IDM, as reflected by free C-peptide level, is directly related to macrosomia and to postnatal hypoglycemia.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sosenko, I., Kitzmiller, J., Loo, S. et al. 895 FREE C-PEPTIDE LEVELS IN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS: RELATIONSHIP TO HYPOGLYCEMIA, MACROSOMIA, AND HYALINE MEMBRANE DISEASE. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 513 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00900
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00900
