Foetal Programming in a Diabetic Pregnancy: Long-Term Implications for the Offspring

Maternal diabetes predisposes the growing foetus to non-communicable disease risk later in life. Studies show an increased risk of adiposity/obesity, type-2 diabetes and higher blood pressure in offspring of diabetic mothers. Altered metabolic and neuroendocrine functions, and epigenetic modification of genes involved in these functions are some of the mechanisms proposed for the offspring disease risk. Though optimal management of diabetes during pregnancy prevents its immediate complications, there is limited evidence on the influence of glycaemic control on longterm effects in the offspring. Future focus should be on prevention of pregnancy diabetes through appropriate maternal and child health policies in vulnerable populations.