What is IDM?

IDM or Infant of a Diabetic Mother refers to a baby who was born to a mother who had gestational diabetes: high glucose levels were found in her blood throughout her pregnancy.  Gestational diabetes can present several issues for her newborn baby.

A baby born to a mother who has gestational diabetes is typically larger than babies born to women who do not have high blood sugar. These newborns may have periods of low blood sugar after birth, which means they will have to be closely monitored for signs including poor feeding and a weak cry. They will have to be tested until their blood sugar remains stable after normal feedings.

The baby may experience tremors after birth and there may be rapid breathing because the lungs are immature. They may also have larger kidneys and heart, which could lead to long-term complications such as heart failure.

If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes your doctor will refer you to a nutritionist who will help you keep your blood sugar under control and help to minimize any complications for your growing child. With better testing and more control over diabetes the number of children born with severe problems has decreased and the symptoms typically go away after a few weeks.