Calcium metabolism in diabetic mother, fetus, and newborn infant.

Peripheral blood levels of the minerals and hormones involved in calcium homeostasis were measured in insulin-dependent diabetic patients at delivery, and in umbilical arterial and venous blood. The minerals were also measured in neonatal blood at 24 hours of age. Insulin-dependent diabetic patients at delivery have depressed serum levels of parathyroid hormone, although serum total and ionized calcium levels are not different from those of nondiabetic patients. Fetuses of diabetic mothers are hypocalcemic and have reduced parathyroid hormone levels. Infants of diabetic mothers demonstrate early neonatal hypocalcemia. No differences between diabetic and control patients could be demonstrated in terms of calcitonin or phosphorus levels, in either mother, fetus, or neonate.