The Relationship between Birth Weight and Serum Insulin in Obese Children.

Abstract

To reveal the relationship between birth weight and type II diabetes mellitus (DM) in obese children. Obese children (128 boys and 52 girls) with a mean age of 10.3 years were examined. The mean percent relative weight was 48.3% in boys, and 53.7% in girls. The fasting serum level of insulin and fasting plasma glucose were measured, and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was calculated. Maternity record books were used to determine the weeks of gestation and the standard deviation score (SDS) for birth weight was calculated. The relation between insulin and HOMA, and birth weight and birth weight SDS were analyzed by simple regression. In boys, no relationship was found between serum insulin and birth weight. HOMA showed a negative correlation with birth weight SDS (r=-0.175, p<0.05). In girls, serum insulin showed a negative correlation with birth weight and birth weight SDS (r=-0.287, p<0.05, r=-0.316, p<0.05). HOMA showed a negative correlation with birth weight and birth weight SDS (r=-0.289, p<0.05, r=-0.315, p<0.05). Also, percent relative weight showed a negative correlation with birth weight and birth weight SDS (r=-0.301, p<0.05, r=-0.307, p<0.05). This study suggested a relationship between low birth weight and hyperinsulinemia. Fetal malnutrition in utero may lead to insulin resistance. We consider that low birth weight is one of the risk factors for type II DM in obese children.