Contribution of maternal diabetes to visceral fat accumulation in offspring

Genetic and epidemiological studies provide evidence supporting the contribution of a genetic background of diabetes to the development of obesity and further suggest differences in the metabolic and cardiovascular risks between offspring with a paternal versus maternal family history of diabetes (FHD). The goal of this study was to explore the contribution of a parental FHD to visceral fat area (VFA).This study enrolled 1875 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (age range: 20-78 years). VFA was assessed with magnetic resonance imaging.The study population consisted of 1573 subjects without a FHD, 115 subjects with a paternal FHD, and 187 subjects with a maternal FHD. For both genders, VFA was greater in offspring with a maternal FHD compared with those without a FHD (both P0.05). For both genders, only VFA was an independent factor associated with a maternal FHD (both P0.01). Compared with those without a FHD, men and women with a maternal FHD, but not those with a paternal FHD, were more likely to develop abdominal obesity (both P0.05). After adjustment for independent factors related to VFA, VFA was increased by 9.60cmA maternal FHD contributed to visceral fat accumulation independently in both genders. Maternal transmission had a pronounced effect on obesity and related cardiovascular risk factors.