What is the primary concern for infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs)?

Hypoglycemia is a primary concern for infants born to diabetic mothers (IDMs) due to several physiological factors. When a mother has diabetes, especially if her blood sugar levels have been poorly controlled during pregnancy, the fetus is often exposed to elevated glucose levels in utero. In response, the fetal pancreas produces excess insulin to manage this elevated glucose. After birth, when the baby's supply of maternal glucose is abruptly cut off, the excess insulin can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, resulting in hypoglycemia.

This condition is particularly concerning because infants with hypoglycemia may not show obvious symptoms initially, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues, including seizures, brain injury, or other neurological problems. This risk necessitates close monitoring of blood glucose levels in IDMs immediately after birth.

While other concerns like hyperthermia, infections, and jaundice can also be relevant to IDMs, they are not typically considered as immediate or direct challenges as hypoglycemia in the context of the newborn's immediate postnatal period.