Maternal Obesity and Neonatal Metabolic Health: Insights Into Insulin Resistance

Background Maternal obesity is a global health concern that leads to metabolic alterations in the offspring, making them vulnerable to metabolic disorders in adulthood. Early identification of such neonates would provide opportunities to positively alter modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to prevent their occurrence later in life. Objectives This study aimed to assess and contrast insulin resistance (IR) levels in neonates born to mothers with obesity and those born to healthy, non-obese mothers.  Methods This case-control study was conducted after approval from the institutional ethics committee. A total of 98 healthy, non-obese pregnant females were included in Group 1, and 68 obese pregnant females were included in Group 2. The participants were followed up until delivery and cord blood samples were collected after delivery. Neonatal glucose and insulin concentrations were estimated, and indices of IR such as homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and glucose-to-insulin ratio were calculated. Neonatal IR indices and anthropometric measurements were compared between the groups using the Z test and correlated with the maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) using Pearson's correlation. Additionally, Pearson's correlations were examined between neonatal IR indices and anthropometric measurements. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Results Neonates in Group 2 exhibited significantly higher anthropometric parameters and IR indices than those in Group 1. A statistically significant positive correlation was identified between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, neonatal anthropometric parameters, and IR. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between neonatal IR and the anthropometric parameters. Conclusion Neonates born to obese mothers exhibited higher anthropometric parameters and insulin resistance than those born to non-obese, healthy mothers. Assessment of IR at birth can help identify neonates who are at higher risk of developing NCD in later life. Timely promotion of a healthy lifestyle can reduce the occurrence of NCDs in later life.