MON-158 Association between Famine Exposure in Early Life with Insulin Resistance and β-cell Dysfunction in Adulthood

Abstract

Context Insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction are pivotal to the progression of metabolic diseases. Previous studies suggested famine exposure in early life was associated with type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome, etc. But evidence in early famine exposure and insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction were limited. Objective We aimed to investigate whether the association existed between famine exposure in early life and β cell dysfunction and insulin resistance in adulthood. Design and setting 10772 non-diabetic participants were enrolled in China based on SPECT-China study (ChiCTR-ECS-14005052, www.chictr.org.cn). Main outcome measure Insulin resistance was estimated by the homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Beta cell function, represented by insulin secretion, was estimated by the disposition index. The associations of famine exposure with HOMA-IR and disposition index were assessed via linear regression. Results In both men and women, the disposition indices were lower in fetal- and childhood- exposed subjects than non-exposed subjects. In women, the HOMA-IR levels were higher in fetal- and childhood- exposed subjects than non-exposed subjects. In men, we did not observe a significant association between the fetal- and childhood- exposed subjects and ln(HOMA-IR). However, in women, fetal- and childhood- exposed subjects were found to have significant association between famine exposure and ln(HOMA-IR). In both genders, the ln(disposition index) was observed to be significantly associated with fetal exposure to famine. Conclusions Exposure to famine in fetal- and childhood life period may lead to beta cell dysfunction and insulin resistance in non-diabetic male or/and females, which indicates malnutrition in early life period may offer a modifiable factor for type 2 diabetes development.