Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Resource.

Offspring of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk for several complications, one of which is neonatal hypoglycemia. This condition can occur when the newborn's insulin production is high in response to the elevated glucose levels that the fetus experiences while in utero due to the mother's GDM. As the baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut, the source of glucose is removed, but the baby's insulin levels may still be elevated, which can lead to a rapid drop in blood glucose levels.

Neonatal hypoglycemia is particularly critical to monitor because it can lead to significant neurological implications if not promptly addressed. In managing the infant, healthcare providers often monitor blood sugar levels closely in the immediate postpartum period to ensure they remain within a normal range.

Other complications associated with offspring from women with GDM include parameters such as increased risk of obesity later in life and potential metabolic syndrome, but the specific focus in this question is on neonatal hypoglycemia as a direct and immediate concern in the newborn period.