Low birthweight is independently linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes

Two recent studies published in the journal Diabetologia have found that lower birthweight is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and is associated with a distinct presentation of the disease.

The first study, conducted in Denmark, analysed data from over 4,500 adults without diabetes at baseline and followed them for an average of 19 years. The researchers observed that T2D incidence increased with age, was higher in males, and decreased with increasing birthweight. Each additional kilogramme of birthweight was associated with a 40% reduced risk of T2D.

The second study, also from Denmark, examined over 6,800 individuals with T2D and found that lower birthweight was linked to a younger age at diagnosis, a lower body mass index (BMI), a smaller waist circumference, and a higher prevalence of comorbidities such as high blood pressure.

These findings indicate that birth weight plays a crucial role in T2D risk, independent of genetic factors and adult obesity.