Everyone knows the danger of gestational diabetes. According to a study led by Dr. Samantha Ehrlich, however, it is not necessary to arrive at real diabetes to have negative effects.

Too high glucose levels in pregnancy are indeed linked to a higher rate of obesity for the child. This while remaining below the threshold of the disease. In the United States, pregnant women monitor blood glucose levels between the 24th and 28th week.

The researchers analyzed these data and others, proceeds of over 40,000 pregnant women between 1995 and 2004. They crossed them with those of their children, followed up to 5-7 years of age. The analyzes showed a correlation between high levels of maternal blood glucose and filial obesity. Children of women with high glucose were 13% likely to become obese. In the case of gestational diabetes, the percentage even reached 52%.

The percentages include both women being same obese, and women completely normal-weight but with altered levels. It seems clear that there is a link between glucose and childhood obesity, which does not necessarily pass through the body mass index. According to the authors of the study, the prevention of childhood obesity could therefore also pass to the control of glucose levels.

Source: tennessee.edu