Recent studies published in Diabetologia reveal a connection between lower birth weight and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D).
The studies further suggest that lower birth weight is associated with a unique T2D presentation at diagnosis.
Dr. Rasmus Wibaek, Dr. Allan Vaag, and their team using data from the Danish Inter99 cohort observed a link between lower birthweight and an increased risk of T2D independent of genetic susceptibility and adult adiposity.
They found that every extra kg of birthweight corresponded to a 40% reduced risk of T2D.
In another study led by Dr. Vaag and Dr. Aleksander L. Hansen, data from the Danish Centre for Strategic Research in T2D revealed that individuals with lower birthweight (below 3kg) were likely to have a distinct presentation of T2D, characterized by a younger age at diagnosis, a lower prevalence of overweight/obesity, and fewer family members with T2D.
The study also showed that these individuals tended to have a higher number of comorbidities, such as high blood pressure, and were more likely to use diabetes medications at the time of diagnosis.
Notably, each 1 kg decrease in birthweight was linked with a 3.3-year younger age of diabetes onset, 1.5 kg/m2 lower BMI, and 3.9 cm smaller waist circumference.
Overall, the researchers concluded that lower birthweight, which is a proxy for an adverse fetal environment, is a significant non-genetic risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
It not only influences the likelihood of developing the disease but also contributes to the severity and the need for clinical care and medication.
The research team highlighted the importance of considering low birthweight as a significant screening criterion for type 2 diabetes, akin to a positive family history of diabetes.
They noted, however, that people with lower birth weight or a high genetic risk of T2D are not necessarily at a very high risk of developing the disease if they maintain a normal BMI throughout their lives.
This points to the potential for lifestyle management as a significant factor in mitigating risk.
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The study was published in Diabetologia.
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