Weight Gain After 4yrs Of Age - Inversely Impact Diabetes

Weight Gain After 4yrs Of Age - 

Inversely Impact Diabetes

Out of proportion weight gain after the age of 48 months is inversely proportional to the risk of developing Insulin Resistance and Diabetes.

Babies born as pre-mature or with low birth weight are known to be at risk of multiple disorders-diseases due to weak physiological process and low immunity. But, on the other hand un-expected or out of limit weight gain by baby after 4th bitrthday puts him/her to risk of developing  impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

The add on to this is an Asian Phenotype study that shows that bearer of Indian genes are already incline toward developing metabolic syndrome or  impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Studies conducted by scholars from University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa examined the associations of birth weight and weight gain in infancy and early childhood with DM risk in 6,511 young adults from low- and middle-income countries.

The conclusion wasnbased on calculations of Weight measured at birth, at 24 and 48 months, and in adulthood, and the deviation from expected weight gain between these ages conditional weight gain [CWG]. Birth weight is inversely associated with adult fasting-glucose levels and with the risk of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), according to a study.

Birth weight had no relation with insulin resistance homeostasis model assessment (IR-HOMA), but higher conditional weight gain (CWG) at 0 to 24, 24 to 48, and 48 months to adult predicted significantly higher IR-HOMA. 

"Lower birth weight and accelerated weight gain after 48 months are risk factors for adult glucose intolerance."

Take Home Message:

Indian  families and grannies always complaint that the baby is not eating (low appetite) ... in-spite of the fact that his/her energy levels, growth pattern, immunity, sleep, etc. all are of apparently healthy baby. This over-concern or anxious nature some times may cause baby to gain unwanted weight (intake of more calories per day). Along with this the junk food or fast food culture with aerated drinks make this babies or susceptible to gain weight and go out of proportion in terms of weight, waist circumference, lipid profile, etc.

Not Required Weight Gain = Risk of developing metabolic syndrome or  impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Consult your family physician for understanding what weight is right for your baby. Prevention is always better than cure for any disorder-disease including Diabetes.

Dr. Mayur Jain MD (H)

Published online before print November 18, 2011, doi: 10.2337/dc11-0456 Diabetes Care November 18, 2011