Offspring of diabetic mothers in adulthood and their glucose tolerance

A total of 150 offspring of diabetic mothers, born and followed up at the institute of Care for Mother and Child, were examined at a mean age of 20 years. A control group consisted of 34 age-matched subjects without a family history of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 7.3% (in (children of seven mothers) of the followed up offspring of female diabetics. While normal glucose tolerance was found in 82%, impaired glucose tolerance was present in 6.7% and borderline values in 4%. However, compared with control group levels, mean glycaemic values following glucose load were increased even in the offspring of diabetic mothers with normal glucose tolerance. Mean insulin levels were likewise increased, and were highest in the group of children with impaired glucose tolerance. Nineteen percent of the children on follow-up lost their mothers already during adolescence, at a mean age of 15 years, when their mothers were 41 years old. Thirty-seven percent of mothers were recipients of disability pensions due to diabetic complications. Children of diabetic mothers represent a group at high risk requiring follow-up also in adulthood.