The fetal and childhood growth of persons who develop type 2 diabetes

T Forsén ¹, J Eriksson , J Tuomilehto

⁰National Public Health Institute and the Department of Health and Disability, Helsinki, Finland.

Annals of Internal Medicine +

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July 25, 2000

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Type 2 diabetes risk is linked to low birth weight and accelerated childhood growth. Gestational factors and rapid adolescent weight gain significantly increase this risk, suggesting in utero programming.

Area Of Science

Endocrinology
Public Health
Pediatrics

Background

Type 2 diabetes is associated with low birth weight and subsequent adult obesity.
Individual growth patterns from birth through childhood may predispose individuals to type 2 diabetes.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the relationship between type 2 diabetes and birth size.
To examine the association between childhood growth patterns and type 2 diabetes development.

Main Methods

A cohort study was conducted in Helsinki, Finland, involving 7,086 participants born between 1924 and 1933.
Data on birth measurements, childhood growth (height, weight, BMI), and type 2 diabetes incidence (from national registers) were analyzed.
Maternal BMI during pregnancy was also considered as a factor.

Main Results

Lower birthweight, birth length, ponderal index, and placental weight were associated with increased type 2 diabetes incidence.
Accelerated weight gain between ages 7 and 15 significantly elevated type 2 diabetes risk, especially for those with low birthweight.
Maternal high BMI during pregnancy correlated with faster childhood growth and higher type 2 diabetes incidence.

Conclusions

Findings support the hypothesis that type 2 diabetes is programmed in utero, linked to restricted fetal growth.
The risk of type 2 diabetes is amplified by small birth size combined with rapid post-natal growth during childhood.

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