Fetal programming in diabetes

November 19, 2010

By hammersmith

[Source: UA News] – Babies born to women who have high blood sugar (gestational diabetes) during pregnancy face a greater risk for developing obesity and Type 2 diabetes later on.

Although elevated blood sugar levels can be mild for diabetic mothers who take precautions, the excess glucose crossing the placenta into their babies may seriously affect the pancreatic beta cells, which are involved in insulin secretion.

For more information: Fetal Programming in Diabetes