What condition is an infant born to a mother with diabetes mellitus most likely to exhibit after delivery?

An infant born to a mother with diabetes mellitus is most likely to exhibit hypoglycemia after delivery due to the physiological response to changes in glucose levels.

During pregnancy, the mother’s elevated blood glucose levels can lead to increased insulin production in the fetus, which helps to control the glucose levels and facilitate fetal growth. After delivery, the infant may retain a high level of insulin but is no longer exposed to maternal glucose. This abrupt cessation can result in the infant's blood sugar dropping significantly, leading to hypoglycemia.

Infant hypoglycemia can manifest shortly after birth, making it a critical condition to monitor in newborns of diabetic mothers. This is important for healthcare providers to be aware of, as timely intervention (such as feeding or administering glucose) can prevent further complications related to low blood sugar in the infant.