RESUMEN
Incidence of diabetes during pregnancy is increasing worldwide, and intrauterine hyperglycemia exposure may have long-term adverse effects on the cardiovascular health of children. We investigated prospectively the risk of atherosclerosis and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in infants born macrosomic and in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) at the age of 8-9 years in 2021. A total of 49 infants of diabetic mothers (IDM group) and 13 macrosomic infants (macrosomic group) were included in the study. They were compared with 26 age-matched healthy children with birth weight appropriate for gestational age born to non-diabetic mothers (control group). Anthropometric measurements, atherosclerosis risk factors, and CIMT measurements were performed. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, actual anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, laboratory parameters, or atherosclerosis risk factors. Gestational age was lower in the IDM group (p < 0.001), while birth weight was higher in the macrosomic group (p < 0.001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was lower in the IDM group than the other groups. Duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding was lower in IDM group than in the control group (p < 0.001 for both). Body mass index, skinfold thickness, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were higher in those breastfed for less than 6 months in the IDM group. The CIMT values were statistically higher in IDM [0.43 ± 0.047 (0.34-0.60)] and macrosomic [0.40 ± 0.055 (0.33-0.50)] groups than control group [0.34 ± 0.047 (0.26-0.45)]. CONCLUSION: CIMT values were higher in IDM and macrosomic groups at 8-9 years old age compared to children born with normal birth weight. This indicates intrauterine exposure in both groups. And also, breastfeeding seems very important for IDMs. WHAT IS KNOWN: ⢠Intrauterine hyperglycemia exposure has long-term adverse effects on the cardiovascular health of children. ⢠Infants of diabetic mothers have higher carotid artery intima-media thickness at birth. WHAT IS NEW: ⢠Both infants of diabetic mothers and infants with macrosomia have increased carotid artery intima-media thickness at the age of 8-9 years. ⢠Duration of breast feeding is important especially in infants of diabetic mothers as body mass index, skinfold thickness, waist to hip and height ratio were higher in those breastfed less than 6 months.