| Within the Netherlands the prevalence of obesity and diabetes in childhood is increasing rapidly. The development of diabetes and its complications starts a long time before the onset of clinical symptoms. However, population-based studies to predictors of pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome in children are lacking. The proposed project will focus on the life-style determinants of obesity, pre-diabetes and other components of the metabolic syndrome from pre-term till eight years in three population-based studies. Dietary factors, physical activity, body composition and components of the metabolic syndrome will be investigated. The research questions are: - Are (changes in) fat distribution, diet, and physical activity since birth, associated with HbA1c level and metabolic syndrome and its components at age 8? - Does the association between fat distribution, body weight and other components of the metabolic syndrome change during childhood? - Are (changes in) fat distribution, diet, and physical activity since birth, associated with new components of the metabolic syndrome at age 8, notably adiponectin, and inflammation markers? Given the alarming rise of overweight in children in the Netherlands, the results will be important to support and target interventions to prevent diabetes and related metabolic cardiovascular risk factors at a young age. |
