Endocrinology: neonate of a diabetic mother: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Endocrinology: neonate of a diabetic mother

Sample item

A macrosomic infant of a mother with poorly controlled diabetes becomes jittery with a blood glucose of 20 mg/dL at 2 hours of life. Why?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Fetal hyperinsulinism persists after the maternal glucose supply stops

Maternal hyperglycaemia crosses the placenta and causes fetal beta cell hyperplasia. After the cord is clamped glucose supply stops but insulin levels remain high, which causes hypoglycaemia. Insulin also promotes fetal growth, explaining macrosomia.

Option by option

  • A. Excess growth hormone

    Growth hormone excess does not cause hypoglycaemia in this setting.

  • B. Fetal hyperinsulinism persists after the maternal glucose supply stops (correct)

    Correct. Persistent fetal hyperinsulinism causes hypoglycaemia after birth.

  • C. Low cortisol

    Low cortisol is not the cause.

  • D. Failure of glucagon release

    Glucagon release is not the primary problem.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is B, Fetal hyperinsulinism persists after the maternal glucose supply stops. Maternal hyperglycaemia crosses the placenta and causes fetal beta cell hyperplasia.

Why is "Excess growth hormone" not the answer?

Growth hormone excess does not cause hypoglycaemia in this setting.

Why is "Low cortisol" not the answer?

Low cortisol is not the cause.

Why is "Failure of glucagon release" not the answer?

Glucagon release is not the primary problem.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrinology: neonate of a diabetic mother in Physiology. After the cord is clamped glucose supply stops but insulin levels remain high, which causes hypoglycaemia. Insulin also promotes fetal growth, explaining macrosomia.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Endocrinology: neonate of a diabetic mother?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.