Intrauterine growth retardation – a developmental model of type 2 diabetes

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) has been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes later in life and the mechanisms underlying this phenomena are unknown. Epidemiological studies in humans show a distinct link with the exposure to an intrauterine insult that results in low birth weight and the development of type 2 diabetes in adulthood. IUGR can be induced in rodent models by exposing the pregnant rat to a low protein diet, total calorie restriction, high dose glucocorticoids or inducing uteroplacental insufficiency, all which result in abnormalities in glucose homeostasis in the offspring later in life. Animal models of IUGR allow for a better characterization of changes in glucose homeostasis and corresponding changes in gene expression that can provide insight in the mechanisms by which IUGR leads to type 2 diabetes.