Glucose Intolerance and Insulin Resistance: Impact of Maternal Nutrition

Abstract

A large body of evidence in epidemiological and animal studies have shown the adverse effects of sub-optimal intra-uterine environment on fetal growth and development. These adverse effects may trigger specific alterations during developmental stage of the fetus and may lead to development of Non-Communicable Diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia later in life. This hypothesis is called “Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases” also known as “Fetal Programming”. Although it has been well-known that the intra uterine environment which fetus is exposed to can be affected by physiological, metabolical, psychological and sociological status of the mother, how these effects influence the metabolic development and adaptation of fetus and through which mechanisms they could be regulated are still not clear. Evaluation of fetal developmental stages and the direct effect of maternal diet and nutritional status on these stages are crucial. In this context many studies have indicated the contribution of maternal obesity, gestational diabetes and sub-optimal diets to the development of Type 2 Diabetes during adult life of fetus. The aim of this review was to examine the relationship between development of glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and maternal nutrition and the potential mechanisms of this relationship. It should be noted that understanding of these mechanisms and preventing negative influences that are related to these mechanisms is important for the protection and improvement of health parameters in next generation.