Risk factors for childhood overweight in offspring of type 1 diabetic women with adequate glycemic control during pregnancy: Nationwide follow-up study in the Netherlands

Women with type 1 diabetes gain more weight during pregnancy compared to age-matched healthy women despite a healthier diet: a prospective case-control observational study

PURPOSE

Women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), especially those with suboptimal glucose control, have 3-4 greater chances of having babies with birth defects compared to healthy women. We aimed to evaluate glucose control and insulin regimen modifications during the pregnancy of women with T1D, comparing the offspring's weight and the mother's weight change and diet with those of non-diabetic, normal-weight pregnant women.

METHODS

Women with T1D and age-matched healthy women controls (CTR) were consecutively enrolled among pregnant women with normal weight visiting our center. All patients underwent physical examination and diabetes and nutritional counseling, and completed lifestyle and food intake questionnaires.

RESULTS

A total of 44 women with T1D and 34 healthy controls were enrolled. Women with T1D increased their insulin regimen during pregnancy, going from baseline 0.9 ± 0.3 IU/kg to 1.1 ± 0.4 IU/kg (p = 0.009), with a concomitant significant reduction in HbA1c (p = 0.009). Over 50% of T1D women were on a diet compared to < 20% of healthy women (p < 0.001). Women with T1D reported higher consumption of complex carbohydrates, milk, dairy foods, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, while 20% of healthy women never or rarely consumed them. Despite a better diet, women with T1D gained more weight (p = 0.044) and gave birth to babies with higher mean birth weight (p = 0.043), likely due to the daily increase in insulin regimen.

CONCLUSION

A balance between achieving metabolic control and avoiding weight gain is crucial in the management of pregnant women with T1D, who should be encouraged to further improve lifestyle and eating habits with the aim of limiting upward insulin titration adjustments to a minimum.

Epigenetic and transcriptomic alterations in offspring born to women with type 1 diabetes (the EPICOM study)

BACKGROUND

Offspring born to women with pregestational type 1 diabetes (T1DM) are exposed to an intrauterine hyperglycemic milieu and has an increased risk of metabolic disease later in life. In this present study, we hypothesize that in utero exposure to T1DM alters offspring DNA methylation and gene expression, thereby altering their risk of future disease.

METHODS

Follow-up study using data from the Epigenetic, Genetic and Environmental Effects on Growth, Metabolism and Cognitive Functions in Offspring of Women with Type 1 Diabetes (EPICOM) collected between 2012 and 2013.

SETTING

Exploratory sub-study using data from the nationwide EPICOM study.

PARTICIPANTS

Adolescent offspring born to women with T1DM (n=20) and controls (n=20) matched on age, sex, and postal code.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

This study investigates DNA methylation using the 450K-Illumina Infinium assay and RNA expression (RNA sequencing) of leucocytes from peripheral blood samples.

RESULTS

We identified 9 hypomethylated and 5 hypermethylated positions (p < 0.005, |ΔM-value| > 1) and 38 up- and 1 downregulated genes (p < 0.005, log2FC ≥ 0.3) in adolescent offspring born to women with T1DM compared to controls. None of these findings remained significant after correction for multiple testing. However, we identified differences in gene co-expression networks, which could be of biological significance, using weighted gene correlation network analysis. Interestingly, one of these modules was significantly associated with offspring born to women with T1DM. Functional enrichment analysis, using the identified changes in methylation and gene expression as input, revealed enrichment in disease ontologies related to diabetes, carbohydrate and glucose metabolism, pathways including MAPK1/MAPK3 and MAPK family signaling, and genes related to T1DM, obesity, atherosclerosis, and vascular pathologies. Lastly, by integrating the DNA methylation and RNA expression data, we identified six genes where relevant methylation changes corresponded with RNA expression (CIITA, TPM1, PXN, ST8SIA1, LIPA, DAXX).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest the possibility for intrauterine exposure to maternal T1DM to impact later in life methylation and gene expression in the offspring, a profile that may be linked to the increased risk of vascular and metabolic disease later in life.

The long-term metabolic and neurocognitive risks in offspring of women with type 1 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

Previous studies have evaluated long-term metabolic and neurocognitive outcomes in offspring of women with diabetes. However, many studies did not differentiate between different types of diabetes. We aimed to specifically evaluate both metabolic and neurocognitive outcomes in offspring of women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (OT1D).

METHODS

We conducted an extensive literature search on PubMed between February 2020 and September 2020. We performed a scoping review including 12 retrospective cohort studies, 15 prospective cohort studies, one case-control study and one cross-sectional study, comparing long-term metabolic and neurocognitive outcomes between OT1D and a control group.

RESULTS

OT1D had a higher body mass index and an increased risk for overweight and obesity compared to offspring of mothers without diabetes. A limited number of studies showed a higher risk for (pre)diabetes, higher rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome in OT1D. Index offspring had in general similar intelligence and academic achievement as control children but a higher risk for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders. Data were conflicting concerning the increased risk for autism spectrum disorders. There is limited evidence suggesting that female offspring have more often unfavorable metabolic parameters, while male offspring are more at risk for hyperactivity/impulsivity.

CONCLUSION

Maternal type 1 diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of several metabolic complications and neurobehavioral disorders in the offspring. Increased attention for long-term complications in this population is needed. Further research is needed to evaluate whether improved glycemic control in pregnancy can reduce these long-term complications.

Twenty years of pediatric diabetes surveillance: what do we know and why it matters

SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth (SEARCH) was initiated in 2000 as a multicenter study to address major gaps in the understanding of childhood diabetes in the United States. An active registry of youth diagnosed with diabetes at age <20 years since 2002 assessed prevalence, annual incidence, and trends by age, race/ethnicity, sex, and diabetes type. An observational cohort nested within the population-based registry was established to assess the natural history and risk factors for acute and chronic diabetes-related complications, as well as the quality of care and quality of life of children and adolescents with diabetes from diagnosis into young adulthood. SEARCH findings have contributed to a better understanding of the complex and heterogeneous nature of youth-onset diabetes. Continued surveillance of the burden and risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is important to track and monitor incidence and prevalence within the population. SEARCH reported evidence of early diabetes complications highlighting that continuing the long-term follow-up of youth with diabetes is necessary to further our understanding of its natural history and to develop the most appropriate approaches to primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of diabetes and its complications. This review summarizes two decades of research and suggests avenues for further work.

Association of gestational diabetes mellitus with offspring weight status across infancy: a prospective birth cohort study in China

Background

The association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and childhood body weight remains controversial, and additional study is needed, especially in Asian populations.

Methods

This prospective study investigated the association between maternal glucose concentration, and GDM status and infant body weight from birth to 12 months of age. Linear mixed effects (LME) models and multiple linear regression were used to assess the longitudinal association of GDM with infant growth measured by weight-for-length z-scores (WFLZ), weight-for-age z-scores (WFAZ), and length-for-age z-scores (LFAZ) at birth, 1, 3, 6, 8, and 12 months of age.

Results

Offspring born to mothers with GDM had higher WFLZ [β: 0.26 SD units (95% CI: 0.13–0.40)] across infancy than those of mothers without GDM. When stratified analysis by maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) status, the association was pronounced in normal-weight [β:0.28 SD units (95% CI: 0.11–0.45)] and overweight/obese women [β: 0.34 SD units (95% CI: 0.09–0.58)] but not in underweight women (P for interaction < 0.05). Multiple linear regression found that the effect estimate of GDM on infant WFLZ was highest at birth [β: 0.36 SD units (95% CI: 0.11–0.61)], remained significant at 1 [β: 0.22 SD units (95% CI: 0.03–0.41)] and 3 [β:0.19 SD units (95% CI: 0.01–0.37)] months of age and decreased across infancy. Maternal GDM status was not associated with infant WFAZ or LFAZ.

Conclusions

Maternal GDM status was associated with infant WFLZ, but not WFAZ or LFAZ. The association between GDM status and offspring WFLZ was more pronounced in early infancy or in normal-weight and overweight/obese women. Increased public health efforts to prevent GDM in normal-weight and overweight/obese pre-pregnancy mothers are recommended to control offspring overweight or obesity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-020-03494-7.

Dietary intakes of women with Type 1 diabetes before and during pregnancy: a pre-specified secondary subgroup analysis among CONCEPTT participants

AIM

To describe the dietary intakes of women with Type 1 diabetes before and during pregnancy.

METHODS

This was a pre-specified subgroup analysis of CONCEPTT involving 63 women planning pregnancy and 93 pregnant women from 14 sites in England, Scotland and Ireland. Two hundred and forty-six 3-day food diaries (104 planning pregnancy, 142 pregnant) were matched to data source and food reference codes, and analysed using dietary software. Participants were informed that food diaries would be de-identified and used only for research purposes.

RESULTS

Mean (sd) daily energy intake was 1588 (346) kcal and 1673 (384) kcal in women planning pregnancy and pregnant women respectively. Total carbohydrate intake was consistent with dietary guideline recommendations [180 (52) g planning pregnancy, 198 (54) g pregnant], but non-recommended sources (e.g. sugars, preserves, confectionery, biscuits, cakes) contributed to 46% of total daily carbohydrate intake. Fat consumption exceeded guideline recommendations [70 (21) g planning pregnancy, 72 (21) g pregnant]. Fibre [15.5 (5.3) g planning pregnancy, 15.4 (5.1) g pregnant], fruit and vegetable intakes [3.5 (2.2) and 3.1 (1.8) serves/day] were inadequate. Twelve women planning pregnancy (19%) and 24 pregnant women (26%) did not meet micronutrient requirements.

CONCLUSIONS

The diets of pregnant women from England, Scotland and Ireland are characterized by high fat, low fibre and poor-quality carbohydrate intakes. Fruit and vegetable consumption is inadequate, with one in four women at risk of micronutrient deficiencies. Further research is needed to optimize maternal nutrition for glycaemic control and for maternal and offspring health.

Maternal diet modulates placental nutrient transporter gene expression in a mouse model of diabetic pregnancy

Diabetes in the mother during pregnancy is a risk factor for birth defects and perinatal complications and can affect long-term health of the offspring through developmental programming of susceptibility to metabolic disease. We previously showed that Streptozotocin-induced maternal diabetes in mice is associated with altered cell differentiation and with smaller size of the placenta. Placental size and fetal size were affected by maternal diet in this model, and maternal diet also modulated the risk for neural tube defects. In the present study, we sought to determine the extent to which these effects might be mediated through altered expression of nutrient transporters, specifically glucose and fatty acid transporters in the placenta. Our results demonstrate that expression of several transporters is modulated by both maternal diet and maternal diabetes. Diet was revealed as the more prominent determinant of nutrient transporter expression levels, even in pregnancies with uncontrolled diabetes, consistent with the role of diet in placental and fetal growth. Notably, the largest changes in nutrient transporter expression levels were detected around midgestation time points when the placenta is being formed. These findings place the critical time period for susceptibility to diet exposures earlier than previously appreciated, implying that mechanisms underlying developmental programming can act on placenta formation.

Systemic endocrinopathies (thyroid conditions and diabetes): impact on postnatal life of the offspring

Fetal programming may influence childhood and adult life, determining the risk of specific diseases. During earlier stages of pregnancy, the transfer of maternal thyroid hormones to the fetus is vital for adequate neurologic development. The presence of severe maternal thyroid dysfunction, particularly severe iodine deficiency, is devastating, leading to irreversible neurologic sequelae. Moreover, mild maternal thyroid conditions, such as a mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency, may also lead to milder neurologic and behavioral conditions later during the life of the offspring. Maternal dysglycemia due to pregestational or gestational diabetes mellitus is another common situation in which fetal development encounters a hostile environment. Hyperglycemia in utero may trigger metabolic conditions in the offspring, including abnormalities of glucose tolerance and weight excess. Physicians assisting pregnant women have to be aware about these conditions, because they may go unnoticed if not properly screened. Because an early diagnosis and appropriate management may prevent most of the possible negative consequences for the progeny, the prevention, early diagnosis, and proper management of these endocrine conditions should be offered to all women undergoing pregnancy. Here, we comprehensively review the current evidence about the effects of maternal thyroid dysfunction and maternal dysglycemia on the cognitive function and carbohydrate metabolism in the offspring, two prevalent conditions of utmost importance for the child's health and development.

Family socioeconomic position and abnormal birth weight: evidence from a Chinese birth cohort

BACKGROUND

Birth weight is a strong determinant of infant short- and long-term health outcomes. Family socioeconomic position (SEP) is usually positively associated with birth weight. Whether this association extends to abnormal birth weight or there exists potential mediator is unclear.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 14,984 mother-infant dyads from the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the associations of a composite family SEP score quartile with macrosomia and low birth weight (LBW), and examined the potential mediation effect of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) using causal mediation analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of macrosomia and LBW was 2.62% (n = 392) and 4.26% (n = 638). Higher family SEP was associated with a higher risk of macrosomia (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.93-1.82; OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.11-2.11; and OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.15-2.20 for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th SEP quartile respectively) and a lower risk of LBW (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55-0.86; OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61-0.94; and OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.48-0.77 for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th SEP quartile respectively), compared to the 1st SEP quartile. We found that pre-pregnancy BMI did not mediate the associations of SEP with macrosomia and LBW.

CONCLUSIONS

Socioeconomic disparities in fetal macrosomia and LBW exist in Southern China. Whether the results can be applied to other populations should be further investigated.

Continuous glucose monitoring in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes: an observational cohort study of 186 pregnancies

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to analyse patterns of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data for associations with large for gestational age (LGA) infants and an adverse neonatal composite outcome (NCO) in pregnancies in women with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

This was an observational cohort study of 186 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes in Sweden. The interstitial glucose readings from 92 real-time (rt) CGM and 94 intermittently viewed (i) CGM devices were used to calculate mean glucose, SD, CV%, time spent in target range (3.5-7.8 mmol/l), mean amplitude of glucose excursions and also high and low blood glucose indices (HBGI and LBGI, respectively). Electronic records provided information on maternal demographics and neonatal outcomes. Associations between CGM indices and neonatal outcomes were analysed by stepwise logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders.

RESULTS

The number of infants born LGA was similar in rtCGM and iCGM users (52% vs 53%). In the combined group, elevated mean glucose levels in the second and the third trimester were significantly associated with LGA (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.12, 2.08, and OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.12, 2.19, respectively). Furthermore, a high percentage of time in target in the second and the third trimester was associated with lower risk of LGA (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94, 0.99 and OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95, 1.00, respectively). The same associations were found for mean glucose and for time in target and the risk of NCO in all trimesters. SD was significantly associated with LGA in the second trimester and with NCO in the third trimester. Glucose patterns did not differ between rtCGM and iCGM users except that rtCGM users had lower LBGI and spent less time below target.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Higher mean glucose levels, higher SD and less time in target range were associated with increased risk of LGA and NCO. Despite the use of CGM throughout pregnancy, the day-to-day glucose control was not optimal and the incidence of LGA remained high.

Associations of maternal type 1 diabetes with childhood adiposity and metabolic health in the offspring: a prospective cohort study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Exposure to an intrauterine hyperglycaemic environment has been suggested to increase the offspring's later risk for being overweight or having metabolic abnormalities, but conclusive evidence for pregnancies affected by maternal type 1 diabetes is still lacking. This study aims to analyse the relationship between maternal type 1 diabetes and the offspring's metabolic health and investigate whether birthweight and/or changes in the offspring's metabolome are in the potential pathway.

METHODS

We analysed data from 610 and 2169 offspring having a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes from the TEENDIAB and BABYDIAB/BABYDIET cohorts, respectively. Anthropometric and metabolic outcomes, assessed longitudinally at 0.3-18 years of age, were compared between offspring of mothers with type 1 diabetes and offspring of non-diabetic mothers but with fathers or siblings with type 1 diabetes using mixed regression models. Non-targeted metabolomic measurements were carried out in 500 individuals from TEENDIAB and analysed with maternal type 1 diabetes and offspring overweight status.

RESULTS

The offspring of mothers with type 1 diabetes had a higher BMI SD score (SDS) and an increased risk for being overweight than the offspring of non-diabetic mothers (e.g. OR for overweight status in TEENDIAB 2.40 [95% CI 1.41, 4.06]). Further, waist circumference SDS, fasting levels of glucose, insulin and C-peptide, and insulin resistance and abdominal obesity were significantly increased in the offspring of mothers with type 1 diabetes, even when adjusted for potential confounders and birthweight. Metabolite patterns related to androgenic steroids and branched-chain amino acids were found to be associated with offspring's overweight status, but no significant associations were observed between maternal type 1 diabetes and metabolite concentrations in the offspring.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Maternal type 1 diabetes is associated with offspring's overweight status and metabolic health in later life, but this is unlikely to be caused by alterations in the offspring's metabolome.

Associations of Maternal Diabetes During Pregnancy with Overweight in Offspring: Results from the Prospective TEDDY Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the relationship between different forms of, and potential pathways between, maternal diabetes and childhood obesity at different ages.

METHODS

Prospective cohort data from The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study, which was composed of 5,324 children examined from 0.25 to 6 years of age, were analyzed. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses taking into account potential confounders and effect modifiers such as maternal prepregnancy BMI and birth weight z scores were performed.

RESULTS

Offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) showed a higher BMI standard deviation score and increased risk for overweight and obesity at 5.5 years of age than offspring of mothers without diabetes. While these associations could be substantially explained by maternal prepregnancy BMI in offspring of mothers with GDM, significant associations disappeared after adjustment for birth weight z scores in offspring of T1DM mothers. Furthermore, overweight risk became stronger with increasing age in offspring of mothers with diabetes compared with offspring of mothers without diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal diabetes is associated with increased risk of offspring overweight, and the association appears to get stronger as children grow older. Indeed, intrauterine exposure to maternal T1DM may predispose children to later obesity through increased birth weight, while maternal BMI is more important in children exposed to GDM.

Continuous glucose monitoring during diabetic pregnancy (GlucoMOMS): A multicentre randomized controlled trial

AIM

Diabetes is associated with a high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Optimal glycaemic control is fundamental and is traditionally monitored with self-measured glucose profiles and periodic HbA1c measurements. We investigated the effectiveness of additional use of retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in diabetic pregnancies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a nationwide multicentre, open label, randomized, controlled trial to study pregnant women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who were undergoing insulin therapy at gestational age < 16 weeks, or women who were undergoing insulin treatment for gestational diabetes at gestational age < 30 weeks. Women were randomly allocated (1:1) to intermittent use of retrospective CGM or to standard treatment. Glycaemic control was assessed by CGM for 5-7 days every 6 weeks in the CGM group, while self-monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c measurements were applied in both groups. Primary outcome was macrosomia, defined as birth weight above the 90th percentile. Secondary outcomes were glycaemic control and maternal and neonatal complications.

RESULTS

Between July 2011 and September 2015, we randomized 300 pregnant women with type 1 (n = 109), type 2 (n = 82) or with gestational (n = 109) diabetes to either CGM (n = 147) or standard treatment (n = 153). The incidence of macrosomia was 31.0% in the CGM group and 28.4% in the standard treatment group (relative risk [RR], 1.06; 95% CI, 0.83-1.37). HbA1c levels were similar between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In diabetic pregnancy, use of intermittent retrospective CGM did not reduce the risk of macrosomia. CGM provides detailed information concerning glycaemic fluctuations but, as a treatment strategy, does not translate into improved pregnancy outcome.

Long-term BMI and growth profiles in offspring of women with gestational diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is reported to be associated with childhood obesity, however the magnitude of this association and relation to intrauterine growth is uncertain. We, therefore, aimed to assess whether the growth trajectories of large for gestational age (LGA) and non-LGA offspring of mothers with GDM (OGDM) are different until early adolescence. We also aimed to explore whether growth trajectories of OGDM differ from those of offspring of mothers with type 1 or 2 diabetes (ODM1, ODM2).

METHODS

We studied height and BMI standard deviation score (SDS) of the OGDM group, up to the age of 14 years, with subgroup analysis comparing LGA with non-LGA at birth as a reflection of the intrauterine environment. All mothers with GDM who delivered at the University Medical Center Utrecht between 1990 and 2006 were contacted to participate; informed consent was received for 104 OGDM of 93 mothers. Offspring data were collected through Dutch infant welfare centres. Recorded height and weight were converted to BMI and age- and sex-specific SDS values for Dutch children. Additionally, we compared the OGDM group with ODM1 and ODM2 groups in order to identify those offspring with the highest risk of becoming overweight. Growth trajectories were compared between non-LGA and LGA OGDM and between OGDM, ODM1 and ODM2, using a random-effects model. In the longitudinal follow-up a mean of 7.4 ± 2 measurements per infant were available.

RESULTS

Mothers had a prepregnancy BMI of 25.8 kg/m² and 24% of their infants were LGA at birth. Heights of OGDM were no different from those of the Dutch Growth Study. Non-LGA OGDM showed a BMI SDS comparable with that of the reference population, with a slight increase in early adolescence. LGA OGDM had a higher BMI SDS trajectory than non-LGA OGDM and the reference population, which plateaued at around 10 years of age. Comparison of growth trajectories of OGDM, ODM1 and ODM2 showed ODM2 to have the highest trajectory followed by ODM1 and OGDM, with the LGA counterparts of all three offspring groups in the highest BMI SDS ranges.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Until early adolescence, OGDM have a BMI that is 0.5 SDS higher than that of the Dutch background population. LGA OGDM appear to be at particularly higher risk of being overweight in adolescence compared with non-LGA OGDM, putting them also at a higher lifetime risk of being overweight and developing obesity. ODM2 showed the highest BMI SDS values and had an average BMI SDS of +1.6 until the age of 14, when it became +2 SD. These results emphasize the importance of adequate recognition and timely treatment of maternal gestational diabetes to prevent fetal macrosomia in obstetrics.

Differential effects of age and sex on insulin sensitivity and body composition in adolescent offspring of women with type 1 diabetes: results from the EPICOM study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of age and sex on insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in the adolescent offspring of women with type 1 diabetes, compared with the background population.

METHODS

This was a prospective nationwide follow-up study (Epigenetic, Genetic and Environmental Effects on Growth, Cognitive Functions and Metabolism in Offspring of Women with Type 1 Diabetes [EPICOM]) in a Danish population. We examined 278 offspring of women with type 1 diabetes from the Danish Diabetes Association Register born during 1993-1999 (index offspring) and 303 control offspring, identified through the Danish Central Office of Civil Registration and matched to the index offspring with respect to date of birth, sex and postal code. The offspring had an overall mean age of 16.7 years (range 13.0-20.4 years). The main outcomes were age-related changes in fasting OGTT-derived indices for insulin sensitivity (BIGTT-SI_0-30-120, Matsuda index, HOMA-IR) and insulin secretion (acute insulin response [BIGTT-AIR_0-0-30-120], insulinogenic index, HOMA of insulin secretory function [HOMA-β], disposition index) and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire). In addition, we determined total body fat (TBF) percentage using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

We observed significantly lower insulin sensitivity in index offspring compared with control offspring, increasing with age. The differences were attenuated after adjustment for TBF percentage, but were still significant at 17 and 18 years of age. We also observed decreased disposition index and insulin secretion-sensitivity index-2 in index offspring at the same age, but we found no significant differences in other indices of insulin secretion compared with control offspring. With age, TBF percentage became increasingly more divergent between index and control offspring, and was consistently higher among female but not male index offspring.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Differences in insulin sensitivity between the offspring of women with type 1 diabetes and control offspring increased with age. This was only partially explained by higher adiposity in the index offspring.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01559181.

Maternal lipids associated with large-for-gestational-age birth weight in women with type 1 diabetes: results from a prospective single-center study

INTRODUCTION

Despite improvement in diabetes care over the years, the incidence of macrosomia in type 1 diabetic mothers is still very high and even shows an increasing tendency. It is suggested that other factors that maternal hyperglycemia might be associated with excessive fetal growth in diabetic mothers. The aim of this study was to determine whether maternal lipids might contribute to high rates of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborns in women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective, single-center study was performed in a population of women with T1DM admitted to the perinatal center for women with diabetes. Data were collected in the first trimester (< 12^th week), in mid-pregnancy (20^th-24^th weeks), and before delivery (34^th-39^th weeks).

RESULTS

Among 114 women included in the analysis, 30 (26.3%) delivered LGA newborns. The remaining 84 (73.7%) newborns were appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) HDL concentration in the first trimester was significantly associated with LGA (p = 0.01). Similar associations were observed for the HDL concentrations in mid-pregnancy (p = 0.04) and before delivery (p = 0.03). Higher triglyceride concentrations in the first trimester (p = 0.02) and before delivery (p = 0.008) were associated with LGA. Higher glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c) levels in mid-pregnancy and before delivery were associated with LGA. The associations between maternal lipids and LGA were independent of maternal body mass index at onset of the study, gestational weight gain and HbA_1c concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased HDL and increased triglycerides during pregnancy might contribute to the development of LGA in women with type 1 diabetes.

Risk of macrosomia remains glucose-dependent in a cohort of women with pregestational type 1 diabetes and good glycemic control

Macrosomia risk remains high in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) complicated pregnancies. A linear relationship between macrosomia risk and glycated hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) was described; however, low range of HbA_1c has not been studied. We aimed to identify risk factors and examine the impact of HbA_1c on the occurrence of macrosomia in newborns of T1DM women from a cohort with good glycemic control. In this observational retrospective one-center study we analyzed records of 510 consecutive T1DM pregnancies (1998-2012). The analyzed group consisted of 375 term singleton pregnancies. We used multiple regression models to examine the impact of HbA_1c and self-monitored glucose in each trimester on the risk of macrosomia and birth weight. The median age of T1DM women was 28 years, median T1DM duration-11 years, median pregestational BMI-23.3 kg/m². Median birth weight reached 3520 g (1st and 3rd quartiles 3150 and 3960, respectively) at median 39 weeks of gestation. There were 85 (22.7 %) macrosomic (>4000 g) newborns. Median HbA_1c levels in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester were 6.4, 5.7, and 5.6 %. Third trimester HbA_1c, mean fasting self-monitored glucose and maternal age were independent predictors of birth weight and macrosomia. There was a linear relationship between 3rd trimester HbA_1c and macrosomia risk in HbA_1c range from 4.5 to 7.0 %. Macrosomia in children of T1DM mothers was common despite excellent metabolic control. Glycemia during the 3rd trimester was predominantly responsible for this condition.

Growth and BMI during the first 14 y of life in offspring from women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Infants of women with pregestational diabetes are at risk for developing obesity in later life. This study aimed to identify subgroups at highest risk, by studying growth profiles of offspring from women with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus (ODM1, ODM2) until the age of 14 y.

METHODS

Information from infant welfare centers was received for 78 ODM1 and 44 ODM2. Mean BMI SD scores (SDS) (based on 1980 nation-wide references) and height SDS (based on 2009 references) were calculated and included in a random-effects model. Values were compared to the 2009 Dutch growth study.

RESULTS

BMI SDS profiles differed between ODM1 and ODM2, with the highest mean BMI SDS profiles in ODM2. Other factors that affected growth profiles in these infants included the presence of maternal obesity, large for gestational age (LGA) at birth and in ODM2 a Dutch-Mediterranean origin.

CONCLUSION

Offspring of women with diabetes have higher BMI SDS profiles than observed in the 2009 Dutch growth study, with the highest BMI SDS in ODM2 who are LGA at birth and have obese mothers. Preventive strategies for offspring adiposity may include pursuing lower prepregnancy maternal BMI, prevention of LGA at birth, and prevention of increased weight gain during childhood.

Risk Factors for Childhood Obesity in the First 1,000 Days: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Mounting evidence suggests that the origins of childhood obesity and related disparities can be found as early as the "first 1,000 days"-the period from conception to age 2 years. The main goal of this study is to systematically review existing evidence for modifiable childhood obesity risk factors present from conception to age 2 years.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between January 1, 1980, and December 12, 2014, of childhood obesity risk factors present during the first 1,000 days. Prospective, original human subject, English-language research with exposure occurrence during the first 1,000 days and with the outcome of childhood overweight or obesity (BMI ≥85th percentile for age and sex) collected between age 6 months and 18 years were analyzed between December 13, 2014, and March 15, 2015.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Of 5,952 identified citations, 282 studies met inclusion criteria. Several risk factors during the first 1,000 days were consistently associated with later childhood obesity. These included higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, prenatal tobacco exposure, maternal excess gestational weight gain, high infant birth weight, and accelerated infant weight gain. Fewer studies also supported gestational diabetes, child care attendance, low strength of maternal-infant relationship, low SES, curtailed infant sleep, inappropriate bottle use, introduction of solid food intake before age 4 months, and infant antibiotic exposure as risk factors for childhood obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Modifiable risk factors in the first 1,000 days can inform future research and policy priorities and intervention efforts to prevent childhood obesity.

Analysis of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Pregnant Women With Diabetes: Distinct Temporal Patterns of Glucose Associated With Large-for-Gestational-Age Infants

OBJECTIVE

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is increasingly used to assess glucose control in diabetes. The objective was to examine how analysis of glucose data might improve our understanding of the role temporal glucose variation has on large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants born to women with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Functional data analysis (FDA) was applied to 1.68 million glucose measurements from 759 measurement episodes, obtained from two previously published randomized controlled trials of CGM in pregnant women with diabetes. A total of 117 women with type 1 diabetes (n = 89) and type 2 diabetes (n = 28) who used repeated CGM during pregnancy were recruited from secondary care multidisciplinary obstetric clinics for diabetes in the U.K. and Denmark. LGA was defined as birth weight ≥90th percentile adjusted for sex and gestational age.

RESULTS

A total of 54 of 117 (46%) women developed LGA. LGA was associated with lower mean glucose (7.0 vs. 7.1 mmol/L; P < 0.01) in trimester 1, with higher mean glucose in trimester 2 (7.0 vs. 6.7 mmol/L; P < 0.001) and trimester 3 (6.5 vs. 6.4 mmol/L; P < 0.01). FDA showed that glucose was significantly lower midmorning (0900-1100 h) and early evening (1900-2130 h) in trimester 1, significantly higher early morning (0330-0630 h) and throughout the afternoon (1130-1700 h) in trimester 2, and significantly higher during the evening (2030-2330 h) in trimester 3 in women whose infants were LGA.

CONCLUSIONS

FDA of CGM data identified specific times of day that maternal glucose excursions were associated with LGA. It highlights trimester-specific differences, allowing treatment to be targeted to gestational glucose patterns.

Increased metabolic risk in adolescent offspring of mothers with type 1 diabetes: the EPICOM study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We aimed to investigate metabolic risk factors, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in adolescent offspring of mothers with type 1 diabetes compared with offspring of non-diabetic mothers.

METHODS

During 1993-1999, pregnancies of women with type 1 diabetes in Denmark were prospectively reported to a central registry in the Danish Diabetes Association. Data included information on maternal demography, diabetes status and pregnancy outcome. We invited 746 eligible children from this cohort (index offspring) to a follow-up examination. Control offspring were identified through The Danish Central Office of Civil Registration and matched with respect to date of birth, sex and postal code. Anthropometric measurements and blood sampling for metabolic characterisation, including an oral glucose tolerance test, were performed.

RESULTS

We examined 278 index offspring (mean age 16.7 years; range 13.0-19.8 years) and 303 control offspring (mean age 16.8 years; range 13.5-20.4 years). Index offspring had higher BMI SD score (0.44: 95% CI 0.21, 0.66) compared with controls, after adjustments for pubertal development and maternal pre-pregnancy BMI. Furthermore, index offspring had a higher prevalence of components included in metabolic syndrome and prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance), with reduced insulin sensitivity and relative insulin secretion deficiency, compared with controls. Maternal HbA1c levels in pregnancy were not directly associated with offspring metabolic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Adolescent offspring of mothers with type 1 diabetes had a less favourable metabolic profile and higher frequency of prediabetes than the background population. Significant associations between these outcomes and maternal HbA1c levels in pregnancy could not be demonstrated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01559181.

Applying developmental programming to clinical obstetrics: my ward round

The theory of developmental programming is supported by accumulating evidence, both observational and experimental. The direct application of the principles of developmental programming by clinicians to benefit pregnant women remains an area of limited attention. Examining a selection of inpatients at an obstetric referral center, I searched for situations in which clinical decision making could be driven by the principles of developmental programming. I also looked for situations in which the clinical research agenda could be dictated by these concepts. In the decision to undertake preventive measures to avoid preeclampsia, the offspring’s perspective may support more liberal application of calcium and aspirin. Consideration of the long-term health perspective of the offspring could drive choices in the management of obesity and diabetes in pregnancy. The administration of corticosteroids in women delivering by elective cesarean at term may have modest short-term benefits, but additional trials are necessary to investigate long-term offspring health. The offspring of women suffering hyperemesis gravidarum may benefit from nutritional therapy. The long-term health of the offspring could affect couples’ choice for IVF or expectant management. Applying the principles of developmental programming to the management of pregnant women could drive clinical decision making and is driving the clinical research agenda. Increasingly, developmental programming concepts are becoming an integral part of clinical practice, as well as determining the choice of outcomes in trials in obstetrics and fertility medicine. The presented cases underscore the need for more research to guide clinical practice.

Multisystem Morbidity and Mortality in Offspring of Women With Type 1 Diabetes (the EPICOM Study): A Register-Based Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the long-term consequences for offspring born to mothers with pregestational type 1 diabetes regarding mortality, hospital admissions, and medication. We also examined the association between HbA1c levels during pregnancy and mortality and incidence of hospital admissions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a prospective combined clinical and register-based cohort study comparing mortality, hospital admissions, and use of medication in offspring (n = 1,326) of women with pregestational type 1 diabetes (index children) with matched control subjects (n = 131,884). We also examined the association between HbA1c levels during pregnancy and mortality and the incidence of hospital admissions. Participants were monitored from birth to the age of 13-21 years.

RESULTS

Overall mortality was significantly increased for index children (hazard ratio 2.10, 95% CI 1.33-3.30, P = 0.001). The incidence of hospital admissions for index children was significantly increased (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.45, 95% CI 1.38-1.53, P < 0.001), and this was the case for all age groups until the age of 15 years. The incidence of hospital admissions among index children was positively associated with maternal HbA1c before pregnancy and in the first trimester. In addition, the overall use of medication was increased in index children (IRR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07-1.19, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Type 1 diabetes during pregnancy has long-term implications on the health of offspring, with increased mortality, incidence of hospital admissions, and use of medication. Among mothers with type 1 diabetes, glycemic regulation is positively associated with incidence of hospital admissions in offspring.

Effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring during diabetic pregnancy (GlucoMOMS trial); a randomised controlled trial

Background

Hyperglycemia in pregnancy is associated with poor perinatal outcome. Even if pregnant women with diabetes are monitored according to current guidelines, they do much worse than their normoglycaemic counterparts, marked by increased risks of pre-eclampsia, macrosomia, and caesarean section amongst others. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a new method providing detailed information on daily fluctuations, used to optimize glucose control. Whether this tool improves pregnancy outcome remains unclear. In the present protocol, we aim to assess the effect of CGM use in diabetic pregnancies on pregnancy outcome.

Methods/design

The GlucoMOMS trial is a multicenter open label randomized clinical trial with a decision and cost-effectiveness study alongside. Pregnant women aged 18 and over with either diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2 on insulin therapy or with gestational diabetes requiring insulin therapy before 30 weeks of gestation will be asked to participate. Consenting women will be randomly allocated to either usual care or complementary CGM. All women will determine their glycaemic control by self-monitoring of blood glucose levels and HbA1c. In addition, women allocated to CGM will use it for 5–7 days every six weeks. Based on their CGM profiles they receive dietary advice and insulin therapy adjustments if necessary. The primary outcome measure is rate of macrosomia, defined as a birth weight above the 90th centile. Secondary outcome measures will be birth weight, composite neonatal morbidity, maternal outcome and costs. The analyses will be according to the intention to treat principle.

Discussion

With this trial we aim at clarifying whether the CGM improves pregnancy outcome when used during diabetic pregnancies.

Trial registration

Nederlands Trial Register: NTR2996

Disproportionate body composition and perinatal outcome in large-for-gestational-age infants to mothers with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To determine if disproportionate body composition is a risk factor for perinatal complications in large-for-gestational-age infants born to mothers with type 1 diabetes.

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING

Data from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry from 1998 to 2007.

POPULATION

National cohort of 3517 infants born to mothers with type 1 diabetes. Only singletons with gestational age 32-43 weeks were included.

METHODS

Large for gestational age (LGA) was defined as birthweight > 90th centile and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) as birthweight between 10th and 90th centiles. Disproportionate (D) infants were defined as having a ponderal index [PI: calculated as birthweight in grams/(length in cm)(3) > 90th centile] and proportionate (P) as PI ≤ 90th centile. LGA infants were classified as P-LGA or D-LGA. Odds ratios were calculated for D-LGA and P-LGA infants, with AGA infants as the reference category. Odds ratios were adjusted for mode of delivery, fetal distress and stratified by gestational age.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was a composite of neonatal morbidities, i.e. any of the following diagnoses: Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes, birth trauma (Erb's palsy or clavicle fracture), respiratory disorder, hyperbilirubinaemia or hypoglycaemia requiring treatment.

RESULTS

Composite morbidity was significantly more frequent in LGA as opposed to AGA infants, but there was no difference in risk between P-LGA and D-LGA infants.

CONCLUSIONS

High birthweight, irrespective of body proportionality, is a risk factor for neonatal complications in offspring of women with type 1 diabetes.

Pathophysiology of postprandial hyperglycaemia in women with type 1 diabetes during pregnancy

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Although maternal hyperglycaemia is associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome, the mechanisms of postprandial hyperglycaemia during pregnancy are poorly understood. We aimed to describe glucose turnover in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, according to stage of gestation (early vs late gestation).

METHODS

The rates of systemic glucose appearance (R(a)) and glucose disposal (R(d)) were measured in ten pregnant women with type 1 diabetes during early (12-16 weeks) and late (28-32 weeks) gestation. Women ate standardised meals--a starch-rich 80 g carbohydrate dinner and a sugar-rich 60 g carbohydrate breakfast--and fasted between meals and overnight. Stable-label isotope tracers ([6,6-(2)H(2)]glucose and [U-(13)C]glucose) were used to determine R(a), R(d) and glucose bioavailability. Closed-loop insulin delivery maintained stable glycaemic conditions.

RESULTS

There were no changes in fasting R(a) (10 ± 2 vs 11 ± 2 μmol kg(-1) min(-1); p = 0.32) or fasting R(d) (11 ± 2 vs 11 ± 1 μmol kg(-1) min(-1); p = 0.77) in early vs late gestation. There was increased hepatic insulin resistance (381 ± 237 vs 540 ± 242 μmol kg(-1) min(-1) × pmol/l; p = 0.04) and decreased peripheral insulin sensitivity (0.09 ± 0.04 vs 0.05 ± 0.02 μmol kg(-1) min(-1) per pmol/l dinner, 0.11 ± 0.05 vs 0.07 ± 0.03 μmol kg(-1) min(-1) per pmol/l breakfast; p = 0.002) in late gestation. It also took longer for insulin levels to reach maximal concentrations (49 [37-55] vs 71 [52-108] min; p = 0.004) with significantly delayed glucose disposal (108 [87-125] vs 135 [110-158] min; p = 0.005) in late gestation.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Postprandial glucose control is impaired by significantly slower glucose disposal in late gestation. Early prandial insulin dosing may help to accelerate glucose disposal and potentially ameliorate postprandial hyperglycaemia in late pregnancy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN 62568875

FUNDING

Diabetes UK Project Grant BDA 07/003551. H.R. Murphy is funded by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) research fellowship (PDF/08/01/036). Supported also by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Abbott Diabetes Care (Freestyle Navigator CGM and sensors free of charge), Medical Research Council Centre for Obesity and Related Metabolic Diseases and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre.

Cardiac function in 7-8-year-old offspring of women with type 1 diabetes

Offspring of type 1 diabetic mothers (ODMs) are at risk of short-term and long-term complications, such as neonatal macrosomia (birth weight >90th percentile), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and cardiovascular morbidity in later life. However, no studies have been performed regarding cardiac outcome. In this study, we investigated cardiac dimensions and function in 30 ODMs at 7-8 years of age in relation to neonatal macrosomia and maternal glycemic control during pregnancy and compared these with those in a control group of 30 children of nondiabetic women. We found that cardiac dimensions and systolic and diastolic function parameters in ODMs were comparable with those in controls. Neonatal macrosomia and poorer maternal glycemic control during pregnancy were not related to worse cardiac outcome in ODM. We conclude that cardiac function at 7-8 years of age in offspring of women with type 1 diabetes is reassuring and comparable with that in controls.

The diabetic pregnancy and offspring BMI in childhood: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Offspring of mothers with diabetes are at increased risk of metabolic disorders in later life. Increased offspring BMI is a plausible mediator. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining offspring BMI z score in childhood in relation to maternal diabetes.

METHODS

Papers reporting BMI z scores for offspring of diabetic (all types, and pre- and during-pregnancy onset) and non-diabetic mothers were included. Citations were identified in PubMed; bibliographies of relevant articles were hand-searched and authors contacted for additional data where necessary. We compared offspring BMI z score with and without adjustment for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI. We performed fixed effect meta-analysis except where significant heterogeneity called for use of a random effects analysis.

RESULTS

Data were available from nine studies. In the diabetic group unadjusted mean offspring BMI z score was 0.28 higher (all diabetic mothers vs controls (95% CI 0.09, 0.47; p = 0.004; nine studies; offspring of diabetic mothers n = 927, controls n = 26,384) and with adjustment for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, 0.07 higher (95% CI -0.15, 0.28; p = 0.54; three studies; offspring of diabetic mothers n = 244, controls n = 11,206). There was no evidence of a difference in offspring BMI z score in relation to type of diabetes (gestational vs type 1, p = 0.95).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Maternal diabetes is associated with increased offspring BMI z score, although this is no longer apparent after adjustment for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI in the limited number of studies in which this is reported. Causal mediators of the effect of maternal diabetes on offspring outcomes remain to be established; we recommend that future research includes adjustment for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI.

Birth size distribution in 3,705 infants born to mothers with type 1 diabetes: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To characterize birth size distribution in infants born to mothers with type 1 diabetes. In particular, the relationship between birth weight (BW) and length (BL) was studied because it may provide information on different causal pathways of fetal macrosomia commonly seen in diabetic pregnancies.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a population-based cohort study of 3,705 infants of type 1 diabetic mothers (1,876 boys), with a gestational age of 28-43 weeks, born in Sweden between 1998 and 2007. BW and BL were retrieved from the Medical Birth Registry and expressed as SD scores (SDS). Ponderal index (PI) was calculated as BW in g/length in cm³. A BW >90th and a PI ≤ 90th percentile was defined as proportionate large-for-gestational age (LGA), whereas if both BW and PI > 90th percentile, the infant was categorized as disproportionately large. Values are mean (SD).

RESULTS

The BW distribution for offspring of type 1 diabetic mothers was bell-shaped, significantly broader, and markedly shifted to the right (BWSDS: 1.27 [1.48]) of the reference. Of the infants born to diabetic mothers, 47% were LGA, and among them, 46% were disproportionately large compared with 35% in nondiabetic LGA infants (P < 0.001). Female offspring of type 1 diabetic mothers had significantly higher BWSDS than males (1.34 vs. 1.20, P < 0.01), and preterm infants had higher BWSDS than term infants (1.41 vs. 1.23, P < 0.01)

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal macrosomia in type 1 diabetic pregnancies is due to a right-shift and broadening of the entire BW distribution. The large number of disproportionate LGA infants born to type 1 diabetic mothers suggests an underlying metabolic problem. Fetal macrosomia was more pronounced in preterm and female offspring of type 1 diabetic mothers.

Prediction of macrosomia at birth in type-1 and 2 diabetic pregnancies with biomarkers of early placentation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of first trimester placental biomarkers (fβ-hCG, PAPP-A, ADAM12, PP13 and PlGF) and fetal nuchal translucency (NT) in the prediction of macrosomia at birth in pregestational type-1 and type-2 diabetes (PGDM).

DESIGN

Nested case-control study.

SETTING

Routine first-trimester combined test.

POPULATION

A total of 178 PGDM and 186 control pregnancies.

METHODS

ADAM12, PP13 and PlGF concentrations were measured in stored first-trimester serum, previously tested for fβ-hCG and PAPP-A. All concentrations were expressed as multiples of the median (MoM). Where applicable, the median MoMs of PGDM and control pregnancies were compared in relation to birthweight centiles (≤90th centile, non-macrosomic, versus >90th centile, macrosomic). Model-predicted detection rates for fixed false-positive rates were obtained for statistically significant markers, separately and in combination.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prediction of macrosomia in diabetic pregnancies.

RESULTS

In the PGDM group, median ADAM12 MoM (0.88; P = 0.007) was lower than in the controls. Subgroup analyses showed that median MoMs of PAPP-A (0.65), ADAM12 (0.85), PP13 (0.81) and PlGF (0.91) were only reduced in the PGDM non-macrosomic birthweight subgroup (n = 93) compared with other weight subgroups. In the PGDM macrosomic birthweight subgroup (n = 69), MoMs of all markers were comparable with the control birthweight subgroups. The screening performance for macrosomia at birth in the PGDM group provided a detection rate of 30% for a 5% false-positive rate (FPR) and 43% for a 10% FPR.

CONCLUSIONS

Macrosomia at birth in PGDM pregnancies may be predicted by normal levels of PAPP-A, ADAM12, PP13 and PlGF already in the first trimester of pregnancy. Fetal birthweight in PGDM offspring is partially determined by placental development during the first trimester of pregnancy. The present increase in fetal macrosomia may be related to better early glycemic control and placentation.

Cardiovascular and metabolic outcome in 6-8 year old offspring of women with type 1 diabetes with near-optimal glycaemic control during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

High maternal glucose concentrations during diabetic pregnancy may lead to health problems in the offspring later in life. We showed in a previous nationwide study on pregnancy outcome in type 1 diabetic women that prepregnancy care was good and a near-optimal glycaemic control during pregnancy was achieved (mean HbA1c 6.2%).

AIMS

We investigated to what extent current care and treatment of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes were related to cardiovascular and metabolic disturbances in the offspring at school age. Additionally, we studied the influence of level of maternal glycaemic control, preterm birth and neonatal macrosomia (birth weight>p 90).

STUDY DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SUBJECTS

6-8 year old offspring of women with type 1 diabetes (ODM, n=213) and a control group of children of non-diabetic women (n=79).

OUTCOME MEASURES

BMI, blood pressure, parameters of fasting glucose regulation and lipid metabolism, components of the metabolic syndrome (overweight, hypertension, impaired fasting glucose, dyslipidaemia).

RESULTS

Parameters of fasting glucose regulation and lipid metabolism and the frequency of components of the metabolic syndrome did not significantly differ between ODM and controls. Systolic blood pressure was slightly higher in ODM. The influence of level of maternal glycaemic control, preterm birth and neonatal macrosomia on outcome in ODM was limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Current care and treatment of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes result in cardiovascular and metabolic outcome in the offspring at 6-8 years of age that is comparable to that in children of non-diabetic women. Further follow-up should substantiate these results at later age.

Fetal growth trajectories in Type-1 diabetic pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To describe the individual intrauterine growth patterns of fetuses of insulin-dependent (Type-1) diabetic women and to examine determinants of overgrowth (macrosomia) and its timing.

METHODS

This retrospective longitudinal study examined the developmental trajectories of fetal abdominal circumference (AC) and biparietal diameter in 76 Type-1 diabetic women with singleton pregnancies. Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with a shared fetal AC growth trajectory. Subsequently, maternal factors, including glycemic control as assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), were examined to see whether they had any effect on fetal growth.

RESULTS

Four subgroups with different AC growth patterns were identified. Differences in birth weight between the distinct subgroups were related to the shape of the AC growth velocity curve over gestation. Acceleration of AC growth commencing before or after 25 weeks' gestation was associated with the birth of a heavy or large-for-dates baby in 94 and 56% of cases, respectively. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7.0%) during the periconception period or before 12 weeks' gestation was a modest predictor of midtrimester growth in AC. Other diabetes-related factors, fetal sex, parity, or maternal weight/obesity were unrelated to the fetal growth pattern.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that an individual fetus's growth trajectory is set early in gestation and that the contemporaneous degree of maternal glycemia plays a role in determining birth weight.

Developmental programming and diabetes - The human experience and insight from animal models

Children born to mothers, rather than to fathers, with type 1 diabetes (type 1 DM) or type 2 diabetes (type 2 DM) may have a greater susceptibility to diabetes and obesity in later life, inferring a role for in utero or early post-natal influences on the developing child. This review summarises the studies contributing to this hypothesis, noting some of the controversies including the potential for residual confounding and the influence of maternal BMI. Animal models demonstrate that maternal hyperglycaemia leads to persistent disorders of offspring pancreatic β cell secretory capacity, abnormal insulin signaling in insulin-sensitive tissues and abnormal development of the hypothalamus, associated with aberrant control of energy regulation and obesity in adult life. Prospective studies, particularly follow-up of children born to diabetic mothers participating in RCTs of improved glycemic control are needed to accurately assess the transgenerational influences of maternal diabetes and to evaluate mechanisms inferred from animal data.