ANTHROPOMETRY, MORBIDITY & MORTALITY AMONG THE INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Dr. Ankita Mishra*, Dr. Suryakanta Swain, Dr. Srihari Umasankar Bramha, Dr. Subhalaxmi Sahoo, Dr. Ayush Behera

Background: Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, encompassing both gestational and pregestational diabetes, poses significant risks to fetal growth and neonatal outcomes. Infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) are at increased risk of macrosomia, metabolic complications, and disproportionate anthropometric growth patterns. Objective: To evaluate and compare the anthropometric profiles and early neonatal outcomes of infants born to diabetic mothers with those born to non-diabetic mothers in a tertiary care setting. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at Government Theni Medical College and Hospital over a 12-month period. A total of 316 neonates were enrolled, including 79 IDMs and 237 controls. Anthropometric measurements including birth weight, length, head and chest circumference were recorded. The Ponderal Index (PI) was calculated. IDMs were monitored for hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, polycythemia, and congenital anomalies. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: IDMs had significantly higher mean birth weight (3.09 ± 0.59 kg vs. 2.89 ± 0.42 kg) and PI (2.69 ± 0.33 vs. 2.45 ± 0.25; p = 0.003) compared to controls. The incidence of large for gestational age (LGA) infants was higher in the diabetic group (22.8%) versus controls (5.9%). Hypoglycemia was observed in 35.4% of IDMs, while 7.6% developed hypocalcemia. Cesarean delivery was more frequent among diabetic mothers (88.6%). Conclusion: Maternal diabetes significantly influences neonatal anthropometry and increases the risk of early metabolic complications. Routine antenatal screening, stringent glycemic control, and close neonatal monitoring are essential to optimize outcomes in diabetic pregnancies.