Obesity, diabetes pre-programmed in the womb? Fetal response to glucose associated with mother’s insulin sensitivity

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I recently came across an interesting article about a study done in Germany that researched the fetal response to glucose and the link it has with the mother’s insulin sensitivity. The study indicates that the risk of obesity and diabetes may start in the womb. Research has already shown that diabetes and obesity in the mother can influence the development of the fetus and the baby after birth. Children who have mothers who are obese or diabetic are at a higher risk for obesity and diabetes also. However, this study was the first that looked at the metabolism of pregnant women following a meal and how that influences fetal brain activity.

The researchers performed an oral glucose tolerance test on 13 healthy pregnant women, and insulin sensitivity was determined by glucose and insulin measurements at 0, 60, and 120 minutes. The response of the fetus was examined by recording fetal brain responses with a magnetoencephalographic device. The results showed that after 60 minutes, women who were more insulin resistant had fetuses that reacted more slowly to the sound test. The findings also support a hypothesis made about 50 years ago by a scientist who researched the link between high insulin levels in the mother and the effects on the fetus. The new research also suggests that chronic hyper insulinaemia in the mothers could correspond to high insulin levels in the fetus, which might induce insulin resistance in the fetal brain.

The conclusion of the study was that “lower maternal insulin sensitivity is associated with slower fetal brain responses.” The research findings provide evidence that insulin resistance may be programmed during fetal development. I found this research interesting because this shows how early the signs of diseases such as diabetes can manifest. Also, the more we know about early development of diabetes and obesity, the earlier we can start to prevent it and/or treat it.

Link to article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140325190823.htm
-AW

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