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Somatic growth of children of diabetic mothers with reference to birth size
Insights
Maternal diabetes can impact offspring growth. Infants born large for gestational age (LGA) to diabetic mothers show a higher risk of adolescent obesity, suggesting macrosomia is a predisposing factor.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Maternal diabetes is a significant concern in pregnancy, potentially affecting fetal development and long-term offspring health.
- Previous research indicates a link between maternal glycemic control and fetal growth patterns.
- Understanding the long-term consequences of maternal diabetes on offspring growth is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal diabetes and offspring growth patterns.
- To determine if macrosomia (being large for gestational age) in infants of diabetic mothers predisposes them to later obesity.
- To analyze the relationship between maternal pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain, and neonatal anthropometrics.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study (Providence cohort) of 52 diabetic mothers and their offspring, with follow-up into adolescence.
- Comparison of offspring growth parameters between diabetic mothers and matched controls.
- Assessment of neonatal weight/height index and adolescent obesity (weight/height index >= 1.2).
Main Results:
- A positive relationship was observed between maternal pre-pregnant weight, weight gain, and neonatal weight/height index in both diabetic and control groups.
- Offspring of diabetic mothers who were large for gestational age (LGA) at birth had a significantly higher incidence of obesity at 7 years of age (8/19) compared to those appropriate for gestational age (1/14) (P < 0.05).
- Adolescent obesity was more prevalent in infants identified as LGA at birth.
Conclusions:
- Macrosomia in infants born to diabetic mothers may serve as a predictive factor for the development of obesity later in childhood and adolescence.
- Maternal factors such as pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain influence neonatal anthropometrics.
- Early identification of LGA infants born to diabetic mothers is important for monitoring and potentially intervening for long-term metabolic health.
Abstract:
In this study of the effects of maternal diabetes on the growth of offspring, 52 diabetic mothers were enrolled prenatally in the Providence cohort of the Perinatal Collaborative Study during 1960-1963. Among the offspring, there were 12 perinatal deaths. We were able to enroll 34 survivors and 34 matched controls in an adolescent follow-up study. Of the 34 diabetic mothers, six were insulin dependent, six had chemical diabetes, 13 had gestational diabetes, and nine were suspects. As part of the Collaborative Project, sequential follow-up evaluations had been done at four months, one year, four years, and seven years. A positive relationship was found between maternal pre-pregnant weight, weight gain during pregnancy, and the neonatal weight/height index in both diabetic and control subjects. At 7 years of age, eight of 19 offspring of diabetic mothers who were large for gestation at birth were obese, whereas only one of 14 infants who were appropriate for gestation at birth were obese (P < 0.05). Adolescent obesity (weight/height index greater than or equal to 1.2) was more likely in infants who had been LGA at birth. These data suggest that macrosomia in infants of diabetic mothers may be a predisposing factor for later obesity.