Maternal nutrition, nutrient transfer & foetal pancreas development

It is widely accepted that maternal intrauterine environment is associated with foetal growth, development and adult outcomes. In recent past, epidemiological studies have shown that an association exists between impaired intrauterine growth and susceptibility to adult chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The impaired intrauterine growth retardation/ restriction (IUGR) and low birth weight may occur due to a disagreement in maternal ability to provide nutrients and oxygen to foetus. The foetus responds in predictive and adaptive manner (PAR) to an inadequate amount of nutrients (glucose, amino acids and oxygen) in order to maximize its chances of survival.