Diabetes risk of babies increased by famine experience of mothers

The Chinese Famine (1959-1961) left health effects on
people who were in utero at the time. Image: China Mike

A paper by Monash University published today in Nature Reviews Endocrinology suggests that pre-birth exposure to poor nutrition during times of famine and other disasters may put babies at risk of diabetes, contributing to today’s global type 2 diabetes epidemic.

The review, led by Department of Diabetes Professor Paul Zimmet AO, examined data about in utero exposure to poor nutrition during the Chinese Famine (1959–1961), concluding it probably contributed to China's current diabetes epidemic.The paper warns that relief agencies should urgently review the way emergency food aid is given in populations during major catastrophes, including war and earthquakes.