Gestational diabetes is a common complication of pregnancy. In the US, between two per cent to 10 per cent of pregnancies are affected by the condition annually, according to the National Institutes of Health. Now a new study says that children born to mothers who had diabetes during pregnancy may age faster biologically and be at an increased risk for obesity and high blood pressure. The study, published in the journal Epigenetics, explored how more than 1,000 children born to mothers in China aged on a cellular level. Researchers from the Rutgers University in the US examined their exposure to gestational diabetes in utero and their DNA methylation, or epigenetic age, which indicates how experiences and exposures reflect true biological age even in early childhood.
ACCELERATED AGING CAN UP CVD AND OTHER HEALTH RISKS
Accelerated aging, which can be determined by evaluating if a person’s estimated DNA methylation age is greater than their chronological age, has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular risks and poor health outcomes later in life. The researchers measured the epigenetic age of 1,156 children who were ages 3 to 10 in Tianjin, China, to see how it differed from their chronological age. They found that children born to mothers who had diabetes while pregnant had a higher epigenetic age — or were “older” than their actual age — and that this epigenetic age is associated with higher weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, upper-arm circumference and blood pressure.
MANAGE YOUR GESTATIONAL DIABETES NOW
The findings of this study suggest that gestational diabetes may have long-term effects on epigenetic aging in offspring and lead to poorer cardiometabolic health outcomes. The findings support the need for further studies using longitudinal samples to evaluate the association between epigenetic age and later onset of adult metabolic diseases. If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you must follow your doctor’s advice. It is important to manage your condition and keep your blood glucose levels under control. This will help you avoid complications for both you and your baby.
Follow a healthy diet
The best way to do manage gestational diabetes is by following the right diet. You must adopt a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Cut down on carbs and control your weight gain. This is not the right time for you to go on a diet to manage your weight. So, make intelligent food choices to keep your weight down. Load up on fresh fruits and veggies. Get your protein and fibre and all the essential vitamins and minerals from your food. Try and have smaller meals throughout the day. Have enough water to stay hydrated.
Regular exercise helps
Regular light exercises will help a lot. You can go for a walk. This is a good form of exercise when you are expecting. You can swim too. Yoga is also a good choice. It is better not to indulge in strenuous workouts around this time. But whatever form of exercise you choose, consult your doctor first to avoid complications.
(With inputs from IANS)