Lipid and carbohydrate exchanges in children born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) develops in 7-18% of women worldwide. The number of pregnant with GDM is steadily increasing. GDM is more likely to develop among obese patients. Women who are obese have features of chronic low-grade inflammation, manifest by increased tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Obesity is characterised by insulin resistance, and down-regulation of adiponectin and up-regulation of leptin, resistin and retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) contribute to this. Obesity and excess gestational weight gain results in a three-fold increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including long term metabolic syndrome and endocrine diseases for baby. Offspring born from pregnancies complicated by GDM has higher body mass index (BMI) compared with non-GDM offspring and has high risk of obesity throughout all periods of childhood. GDM may have impact on genetic modifications in the offspring.