Serum insulin levels and anthropometric indices in macrosomic neonates; a comparative study between fetuses of diabetic and non-diabetic mothers

Objective: To measure serum insulin levels and anthropometric indices of the macrosomic neonates and to associate them with maternal glycemic factors. Methodology: This multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted in various hospitals in Karachi from November 2011 to February 2013 and included 125 macrosomic neonates. Mothers were grouped as diabetic and non-diabetics. Anthropometric parameters of baby were measured in addition to blood markers like cord blood insulin. Results: Comparison of anthropometric indices showed statistically significant higher values of head circumference (p = 0.007), chest circumference (p = 0.015), abdominal circumference (p<0.010), mid-upper arm (p<0.010) and bi-parietal diameters (p=0.035) in macrosomic neonates of diabetic mothers as compared to macrosomic neonates of nondiabetic mothers. Fetal serum insulin was increased in neonates of diabetic mothers as compared to that of non-diabetics. Conclusion: Hyperinsulinemia was found in increased frequency in macrosomic infants of diabetic mothers as compared to the non-diabetics. Newborns of diabetic mothers showed significantly higher bi-parietal diameter, head, chest, abdominal and mid upper arm circumference. Abdominal circumference and mid upper arm circumference were significantly high in the macrosomic infants with hyperinsulinemia.