Impact of fetal and neonatal environment on beta cell function and development of diabetes

摘要: The global epidemic of diabetes is a serious threat against health and healthcare expenses. Although genetics important it does not explain the dramatic increase in incidence, which must involve environmental factors. Two decades ago concept thrifty phenotype was introduced, stating that intrauterine environment during pregnancy has an impact on gene expression may persist until adulthood cause metabolic diseases like obesity type 2 diabetes. As pancreatic beta cells are crucial regulation metabolism this article will describe influence normal both mother fetus how various conditions diabetes, obesity, overnutrition undernutrition after ability offspring to adapt changes insulin demand later life. factors including nutrients gut microbiota appetite regulation, mitochondrial activity immune system affect cell growth function directly indirectly discussed. possible role epigenetic transgenerational transmission adverse programming be most threatening aspect with regard epidemics. Finally, some suggestions for intervention presented.