Mechanisms of insulin action and identification of defects leading to insulin resistance in maternal obesity and gestational diabetes

Abstract

Obesity and type two diabetes mellitus (type II DM) significantly impact not only on the health and wellbeing of individuals, but also the healthcare system. Of particular concern is the alarming increase in childhood obesity and the associated increased risk of type II DM. Abnormalities in maternal metabolism, such as maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may cause fetal metabolic re-programming, thus leading to long term consequences such as childhood obesity and the development of type II DM. As a consequence, understanding the changes involved in the intrauterine environment, governed by interactions with hormones, genetics, nutrition, and environmental factors, is es..