EVIDENCE OF INCREASED INTRAUTERINE BONE-RESORPTION IN TERM INFANTS OF MOTHERS WITH INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES

Infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) have lower bone mineral content than control subjects at birth, We measured cord blood propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP), a marker of bone formation, and telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), a marker of bone resorption, in 25 term IDMs and 20 term control subjects, Concentrations of ICTP were higher in IDMs than in control subjects; there was no difference in PICP concentrations, We conclude that osteoclastic activity appears to be higher in IDMs than in control subjects in utero.