Address of Corresponding Author

Horm Res 2005;64 (Suppl. 3):2-7 (DOI: 10.1159/000089311)

  Key Words

• Fetal growth
• Childhood growth
• Insulin resistance
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Body mass index

  Abstract

Until recently, the principal causes of degenerative disease were thought to act in adult life and to accelerate destructive processes, such as the formation of atheroma and rise in blood pressure. Recent observations that people who develop coronary heart disease grow differently to other people during fetal life and childhood have, however, led to a new 'developmental' model for the disease. Low birthweight has been shown to be associated with increased rates of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and altered glucose tolerance. These associations with low birthweight extend across the normal range of birthweight and reflect slow fetal growth rather than premature birth. The associations are thought to be consequences of developmental plasticity, the phenomenon by which one genotype can give rise to a range of different physiological or morphological states in response to different environmental conditions during development. Recent observations suggest that low birthweight, thinness at 2 years of age and an increase in body mass index (BMI) after the age of 2 years are each associated with the development of insulin resistance in later life. The prevention of a substantial proportion of type 2 diabetes and other disorders linked to insulin resistance may, therefore, depend on interventions during development. These include protecting the growth of babies during the first 2 years after birth by good infant feeding practices and preventing a rapid increase in BMI after the age of 2 years. Improving fetal nutrition remains an important long-term goal.

Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Prof. D.J.P. Barker
Division of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, University of Southampton
Mailpoint 887
Southampton SO16 5YA (UK)
Tel. +44 2380 798258, Fax +44 2380 786933, E-Mail djpb@mrc.soton.ac.uk

  Article Information

Published online: January 20, 2006
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 39