Neonatal adiposity is predominantly influenced by maternal hyperglycemia than obesity: Evidence from India

To examine relative influence of maternal diabetes and obesity on neonatal size and adiposity in lean Indian population.

We analyzed routine clinical data collected in one diabetes clinic. Using ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance), we examined the association of maternal diabetes and overweight-obesity with neonatal weight, abdominal circumference, and skinfold thickness.

We included 772 pregnancies with diabetes (61-type 1, 79-type 2, 632-gestational diabetes mellites (GDM)) and 349 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Maternal type of diabetes and overweight-obesity were independently associated with larger neonatal size and adiposity, with a stronger influence of diabetes. Mothers with type 1 diabetes had lowest Body Mass Index (BMI) and highest Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) however, their neonates had highest weight, abdominal circumferences, and skinfolds. Compared to neonates of NGT mothers, those of type 1 diabetes were 300 g heavier, of type 2 diabetes 174 g, and of GDM by 111 g. Neonates of overweight-obese mothers were 128 g heavier than those of non-overweight mothers. Gestational weight gain (GWG) was not associated. Similar findings were seen for abdominal circumference and skinfolds.

In an Indian clinic, maternal glycaemia had a much stronger effect on neonatal adiposity compared to her overweight-obesity. Adequate control of maternal hyperglycemia will help control neonatal adiposity.