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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
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Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
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AIUM Credit
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Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 4

Category: Neonatology

Poster Session 4

(1055) The Association of Neonatal Hypoglycemia with Childhood Obesity

Thursday, February 12, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM  
Objective:
Neonatal hypoglycemia is common, associated with neonatal morbidity, and alters insulin, growth hormone, and cortisol secretion. However, its long-term metabolic effects on offspring are understudied. We evaluated whether neonatal hypoglycemia was associated with childhood obesity.

Study Design:
Secondary analysis of a prospective follow-up study of children whose mothers enrolled in a trial comparing antenatal corticosteroids with placebo among pregnant women at risk for late preterm delivery. The trial did not include women with pregestational diabetes or multiple gestation. We included children ≥ 6 years old with hypoglycemia data after delivery and childhood anthropometry. The primary outcome was obesity at ages 6-11 (BMI-for-age-and-sex ≥ 95%). Secondary outcomes included additional anthropometry at follow-up. Primary and secondary outcomes were compared between neonates with/without hypoglycemia and by persistence of hypoglycemia: 1 value < 40 mg/dL (isolated) and ≥ 2 values < 40 mg/dL (persistent). Additionally, we assessed for effect modification by breastfeeding status. Log-binomial regression estimated relative risks and 95% CI for categorical outcomes. General linear models estimated mean differences and 95% CI, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results:

Of 1211 children included, 284 (23.5%) were exposed to neonatal hypoglycemia: 197 (69.3%) persistent and 87 (30.6%) isolated. 225 children (18.6%) were obese. Neonates with any hypoglycemia were more likely to be preterm, LGA, exposed to betamethasone, or delivered by cesarean, and their mothers were older and more likely to have private insurance, GDM, and identify as White (Table 1). There was no association between any hypoglycemia and obesity (aRR 1.02; 95% CI 0.77, 1.35) or persistent hypoglycemia and obesity (aRR 1.01; 95% CI 0.73,1.39) (Table 2). Breastfeeding was not an effect modifier (p=0.96).

Conclusion:

Neonatal hypoglycemia, even when persistent, was not associated with obesity at ages 6-11. The high prevalence of obesity is consistent with national data; further research is needed to identify opportunities for prevention.