Intrauterine programming of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

ABSTRACT: The type 2 diabetes epidemic and one of its predisposing factors, obesity, are major influences on global health and economic burden. It is accepted that genetics and the current environment contribute to this epidemic; however, in the last two decades, both human and animal studies have consolidated considerable evidence supporting the 'developmental programming' of these conditions, specifically by the intrauterine environment. Here, we review the various in utero exposures that are linked to offspring obesity and diabetes in later life, including epidemiological insights gained from natural historical events, such as the Dutch Hunger Winter, the Chinese famine and the more recent Quebec Ice Storm. We also describe the effects of gestational exposure to endocrine disruptors, maternal inf

SUBMITTER: Fernandez-Twinn DS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6731191 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature