Impaired glucose tolerance among adolescents with low birth weight history: The Tanjungsari Cohort Study in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Diabetes prevalence has been increasing overtime in Indonesia along with its complications and morbidities. Diabetes prevention program is still a challenge. Previous study concluded poor intrauterine nutritional status, low birth weight (LBW), and nutrition status early in life were risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or type 2 diabetes mellitus in adulthood. This study aimed to evaluate the association between both LBW and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with IGT in adolescents.

METHODS AND STUDY

DESIGN

Total of 536 subjects from Tanjungsari Cohort Study were included in this study. Subjects were in their early adolescence age (12-14 years). Anthropometric data were collected and IGT was determined by using 2- hour postprandial plasma glucose level, then it was assessed based on their birth weight and intrauterine nutritional status.

RESULTS

Subjects with LBW history were shorter, had lower body weight and body mass index (p<0.05, respectively). The proportion of IGT is significantly higher among subject with LBW (RR 1.692 [1.079- 2.653]). There was no difference on proportion of IGT among subjects with IUGR compared with subjects who were not IUGR or born preterm (p=0.286). Multiple regression analysis showed the effect of LBW remain independent after adjusted with sex and socioeconomic variables (RR 1.650 [1.054-2.584]).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant association was found between LBW and IGT in comparison to those who were born with normal birth weight. Hence, diabetes should be prevented as early as possible, even since in the pregnancy.