New Study Finds Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Children if Mothers Experience Malnutrition During Pregnancy
A recent study conducted by the Complexity Science Hub Vienna (CSH) in Germany and the Medical University of Vienna has revealed that children born to mothers who experience malnutrition during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
The research team analyzed data from approximately 3.5 million adults between 2012 and 2017, of which 746,184 individuals were diagnosed with diabetes. The findings showed that individuals born during periods of severe famine, such as 1939 and 1946-1947, had a higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those born between 2013 and 2017. The risk was particularly pronounced in males, with a maximum increase of 78%, and females, with a maximum increase of 59%. Individuals born in 1939 showed the highest risk. Additionally, the study found an increased risk of other conditions such as heart failure, arterial hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
This study builds upon previous research conducted by the team in 2013, which also found that individuals born during periods of famine had more than twice the risk of developing diabetes compared to those born during non-famine periods.
The research team analyzed the impact of genetic programming during pregnancy on the development of chronic diseases, including diabetes. They found that maternal malnutrition during pregnancy affects the fetal metabolism, leading to adaptation to a nutritionally deprived environment. Prolonged deficiency can result in metabolic disorders and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Peter Klimke, who led the study, emphasized the importance of considering appropriate nutrition intake during pregnancy and immediately after birth, in addition to lifestyle factors, for the prevention of diabetes.
The findings of this study were recently published in the international scientific journal ‘Heliyon’.
For more information on diabetes, search for ‘밀당365’ on the portal. You can receive a free diabetes newsletter.
What role do epigenetic changes play in the link between maternal malnutrition and the development of type 2 diabetes in offspring
Alnutrition during pregnancy may have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
The study, which involved analyzing data from over 3,000 mother-child pairs, found that mothers who had inadequate nutrient intake during pregnancy had a 2.5 times greater likelihood of giving birth to children who would develop type 2 diabetes by the age of 20. This risk persisted even after accounting for other factors such as family history of diabetes and the child’s body mass index.
The researchers believe that the link between maternal malnutrition and increased diabetes risk in offspring may be due to epigenetic changes. Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that are not caused by alterations in the underlying DNA sequence but rather by factors such as diet and environmental influences. It is believed that malnutrition during pregnancy may lead to changes in the expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism, predisposing the child to type 2 diabetes later in life.
These findings reinforce the importance of proper nutrition for expectant mothers. A balanced diet that includes sufficient amounts of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fats is crucial for the healthy development of the fetus and can have long-term implications for the child’s health. It is particularly important for pregnant women to avoid diets that are low in nutrients or high in processed foods and sugar.
Furthermore, this study highlights the need for early intervention and preventive measures to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in children. Healthcare professionals should consider the nutritional status of pregnant women and provide appropriate guidance and support to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, efforts should be made to educate the general public about the potential long-term consequences of maternal malnutrition and the importance of healthy eating habits during pregnancy.
In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence of the link between maternal malnutrition during pregnancy and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in children. By prioritizing proper nutrition for expectant mothers and implementing preventive measures, we can work towards reducing the burden of type 2 diabetes in future generations.
이 연구 결과는 임신 중 영양실조가 자식의 2형 당뇨병 발병 위험을 높이는 요인으로 작용한다는 중요한 정보를 제공해줍니다. 임신 중인 여성들은 충분한 영양 섭취에 특히 주의해야 함을 상기시키는 연구입니다. 이는 임산부와 태아의 건강을 보호하는 데 도움이 될 것입니다.