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Low-Birth-Weight Babies, High Risks Later in LifeWhat is the problem and what is known about it so far?Some research suggests that low-birth-weight babies are more likely to develop diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (an inability of the body to handle glucose), and cardiovascular disease (CVD, disease of the heart and blood vessels). But it isn’t known whether the conditions are present at birth or develop later in life. Why did the researchers do this particular study?By measuring glycated hemoglobin (A1C), a measure of long-term glucose control, the researchers wanted to see whether low-birth-weight babies have an impaired ability to handle glucose. Who was studied?The study included 1,295 mothers and babies born at one hospital. How was the study done?Blood was drawn from each baby and mother to measure A1C levels. What did the researchers find?Babies with elevated A1C levels tended to be smaller than babies with normal levels. However, babies born to mothers with elevated A1C levels tended to be a little larger than babies with normal A1C levels. What were the limitations of the study?More complicated blood tests to measure the body’s ability to handle glucose and insulin were not done on the newborns. What are the implications of the study?Elevated levels of A1C in newborns are linked to low birth weight. More research is needed to understand the link to diabetes and other conditions later in life.
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