Katharina Buczek
The study revealed that although metformin positively impacted the pregnant mice, their offspring did not see the same benefits.
“As a result of anti-diabetic treatment in the early postnatal period, we were able to identify alterations in the weight gain and hormonal status of the offspring, which were critically dependent on the metabolic state of the mother,” explained Dr. Rachel Lippert, the study’s author.
The team also noted changes specific to the gender of the mice in the hypothalamus signaling pathways. These pathways play a role in energy regulation and were influenced by exposure to metformin.
“Given the increasing prevalence, education about gestational diabetes and preventive measures are of vital importance,” Dr. Lippert concluded.
“If we can find a way to manage lifestyle and diet more proactively, we are in a better position to exploit the potential of gestational diabetes treatment.”
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in Molecular Metabolism, visit the link here.
