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Low birth weight for gestational age associates with reduced glucose concentrations at birth, infancy and childhood

Paolo Ghirri1, Christini Ladaki, Ambra Bartoli

  • 1Division of Neonatology, S. Chiara Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

Hormone Research
|October 27, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) exhibit lower glucose concentrations, indicating a developmental adaptation in glucose metabolism. This study tracked glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity from birth through childhood in SGA individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Research
  • Growth and Development

Background:

  • Children born small for gestational age (SGA) may face long-term metabolic challenges.
  • Understanding glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in SGA children is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in children born small for gestational age (SGA).

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study compared SGA children with matched controls appropriate for gestational age at birth, infancy, and childhood.
  • Key metabolic markers including fasting glucose, insulin, and ratios were measured.
  • Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein-3 were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Glucose concentrations were significantly lower in SGA newborns, infants, and children compared to controls.
  • Birth weight demonstrated a positive correlation with glucose levels across all studied periods.
  • No specific mention of insulin sensitivity or IGF system findings in results.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest a developmental adaptation in glucose metabolism among SGA children, resulting in persistently lower glucose concentrations.
  • This adaptation may have implications for long-term metabolic health in SGA individuals.
Abstract

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