Prematurity is not associated with reduced insulin sensitivity in adulthood

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Health
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• Increasing survival rates of preterm infants lead to more reaching adulthood.
• Previous studies suggested lower insulin sensitivity in preterm children, raising type 2 diabetes concerns.
• Persistence of reduced insulin sensitivity into adulthood remained unconfirmed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term effects of preterm birth on insulin sensitivity in young adulthood.
• To identify factors influencing insulin sensitivity in adults born preterm versus term.

Main Methods:

• Insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function assessed via frequently sampled iv glucose tolerance tests.
• 305 young adults (18-24 years) included: 169 preterm, 136 term.
• Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry used for adult body composition analysis.

Main Results:

• No evidence of impaired insulin sensitivity in young adults due to preterm birth.
• Adult trunk fat and oral contraceptive use in women were primary determinants of insulin insensitivity.
• These factors were independent of birth size and gestational duration.

Conclusions:

• Preterm birth is not associated with reduced insulin sensitivity in young adulthood.
• Adult body composition and specific lifestyle factors are more critical for insulin sensitivity than preterm birth history.