Babies born to overweight women are 3.5 times more at risk of diabetes

We often think if a mother gains weight during pregnancy, it’s a healthy sign. Gaining some weight during the nine months of pregnancy is obvious but gaining too much weight doesn’t not only puts you but also your baby's health at risk. One of these health risks includes an increased chance of getting diabetes.

Study
According to a recent study, babies born to obese mothers are three times more likely to develop Type-2 diabetes later in their life. These babies get over-nutrition in the form of sugar, insulin and hormones in the womb while they are still developing, which might potentially alter their metabolism.

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An expert from the UK says that this research adds to the fact that the time we spend in our mother’s womb can shape our future.

Research
The researchers tracked 1,18,000 Scottish children who were born between 1950 and 2011 and linked this data with health record from the national register for those diagnosed with diabetes in Scotland. Other factors like maternal history of diabetes before pregnancy, high BP and the stage of pregnancy when the mother’s weight was measured were also kept into consideration.

Results
It was clear that women who were overweight during pregnancy increased the risk of their child getting type 2 diabetes by 40 per cent.

After the findings, the researchers warned about the urgent need for strategies to reduce obesity in women of reproductive age. Some short term complications due to maternal obesity include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and increased risk of intrauterine death.

Looking at the increasing number of pregnancy of obese women and the complications that it brings along, moms, it’s better to start controlling your diet as soon as you start planning your baby.