In a nutshell
This study examined the effect of maternal diabetes on diabetes in children.
Some background
Obesity in children can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, other factors are also thought to increase this risk. Children with T2D generally have a parent with diabetes. The effect of maternal diabetes is greater than paternal diabetes. Children have a higher risk of developing diabetes if their mother had T2D before pregnancy or had gestational diabetes.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine the characteristics of diabetic children that were associated with maternal diabetes. This study involved 632 children aged 10-17 years. All participants had been recently diagnosed with T2D.
Participants were divided into 2 groups. One group were exposed to maternal diabetes during pregnancy. The other group were not exposed to diabetes during pregnancy. Medical history data at diagnosis was obtained for each participant.
Children born to a mother who had diabetes during pregnancy were diagnosed with T2D at a younger age (average of 0.6 years earlier).
The HbA1c (average blood glucose levels over 3 months) was 0.3% higher in exposed children compared to unexposed children.
The ability of the pancreas to make insulin (hormone which reduces blood glucose levels) was lower in children who were exposed to diabetes during pregnancy. The C-peptide level (indicates how much insulin is produced) was lower in exposed children compared to unexposed children. However, this effect was only observed in Hispanic and non-Hispanic black children, not in non-Hispanic white children.
The bottom line
This study concluded that maternal diabetes before or during pregnancy is associated with poorer control of blood glucose levels and reduced insulin production, particularly in Hispanic and non-Hispanic black children.
The fine print
The data obtained from the medical history was based on patient self-reporting. In addition, this study did not determine whether the severity of diabetes affects the characteristics in children at diagnosis.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the preventative measures which can be taken to improve blood glucose levels during pregnancy.
Published By :
Diabetes Care
Date :
Nov 17, 2015