Perinatal factors can be risk factors of diabetic nephropathy
Rudberg, S.
Lakartidningen 97(4): 317-319
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-7205 PMID: 10684225 Document Number: 523147
This article discusses the association of perinatal risk determinants and the future development of diabetic nephropathy. A low birth-weight seems to increase the risk for future cardiovascular disease, hypertension and insulin resistance, all of which are features of diabetic nephropathy. In a nation-wide case-controlled study we found that smoking during pregnancy and low maternal education, rather than low birth weight per se increase the risk of developing incipient nephropathy in offspring with type-1 diabetes. These factors are in addition to, and independent of, a familial disposition for cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Persistent hyperglycaemia is a prerequisite for the influence of these factors. Our findings support the hypothesis of a multifactorial aetiology of diabetic nephropathy.