Influence of gestational diabetes on the programming of metabolic health outcomes in offspring

Population health data suggests that the development of metabolic disease is influenced by early life events. Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy, but its effects on the offspring are poorly understood. It is hypothesized that a diet high in fat and sucrose will cause excessive weight gain and obesity during pregnancy accompanied by hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia that are characteristic of GDM. It is also hypothesized that gestational exposure to GDM will cause obesity, hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in the offspring when compared to the offspring from metabolically healthy, lean mothers.