All infants of diabetic mothers should be tested for hypoglycemia, even if they have no apparent symptoms.

In an infant with an initial episode of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), repeat blood sugars over several days will be required until the infants blood sugar remains stable with normal feedings.

Early feeding may prevent hypoglycemia in mild cases. Low blood sugars are treated with intravenous glucose solutions until blood sugar levels are stable.

Rarely, heart medications (such as propranolol) are needed.

Better control of diabetes and early recognition of gestational diabetes has decreased both the incidence and severity of symptoms for infants of diabetic mothers. Early intervention helps ensure recovery.

In general, an infant's symptoms resolve within a few weeks. However, an enlarged heart may take several months to resolve.

• Stillbirth -- the incidence of stillbirth is higher in diabetic mothers. Stillborn LGA infants are believed to have outgrown their oxygen supply prior to delivery.
• Cardiac failure.
• Profound hypoglycemia -- hypoglycemia may be sufficiently low to cause permanent brain damage.

If you are pregnant and receiving routine prenatal care, your physician will know by your history whether you have diabetes and will discover through routine testing if you develop gestational diabetes.

However, if you are pregnant and have diabetes and are having difficulty controlling your blood sugar, call your physician immediately.

If you are pregnant and not receiving prenatal care, make an appointment with your physician or call the State Board of Health for instructions on how to obtain state-assisted prenatal care.