Final answer:
A pregnant female with moderately controlled DM 1 is likely to give birth to a larger than average baby, with the potential for low blood sugar levels after birth. It's imperative to manage and monitor the infant's glucose levels post-delivery. The mother must also maintain blood sugar control to prevent health complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a pregnant female has a history of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM 1) and maintained only moderate control of her blood sugar levels during pregnancy, the newborn is at risk of being larger than average, a condition known as macrosomia.
This is because the excess glucose in the mother's bloodstream crosses the placenta, which leads to higher insulin production in the fetus and consequently more fat storage.
The newborn's blood sugar levels may also be lower than normal post-delivery since the baby's pancreas has been producing extra insulin to deal with the high glucose levels in utero. After birth, the high level of insulin can drive the newborn's blood sugar down, a condition called neonatal hypoglycemia. Hence, monitoring and managing the infant's blood sugar levels after delivery is crucial.
For the mother, consistently high blood sugar levels can have severe consequences. Hyperglycemia can lead to damage in small blood vessels, significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and other health complications. Therefore, keeping blood glucose levels under control with a healthful diet, regular physical activity, and medication is essential for both the mother's and the baby's health.