Address of Corresponding Author

Horm Res 2006;66:33-39 (DOI: 10.1159/000093230)

  Key Words

• Prematurity
• Insulin resistance
• Catch-up growth

  Abstract

Low birth weight is associated with both later adult diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and a number of metabolic abnormalities, the foremost of which is insulin resistance. Indeed the link between an adverse perinatal environment, manifested by low birth weight, and adult life pathology may be an early, permanent reduction in insulin sensitivity. A reduction in insulin sensitivity has been demonstrated in small for gestational age (SGA), term subjects from childhood through to adulthood. Less is known about children born premature into an adverse neonatal environment. We present data demonstrating that premature infants also have metabolic abnormalities similar to those observed in term, SGA children and that these occur irrespective of whether they are SGA or appropriate for gestational age (AGA).

Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. Paul L. Hofman
Liggins Institute, University of Auckland
2-6 Park Avenue, Auckland (New Zealand)
Tel. +64 9 373 999 (ext. 86 453), Fax +64 9 373 8763
E-Mail p.hofman@auckland.ac.nz

  Article Information

Published online: May 24, 2006
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 4, Number of References : 54