La obesidad y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DMT2) son consecuencia del sedentarismo, dietas altas en carbohidratos y la predisposición genética. La epigenética se define como una forma de regulación génica en células especializadas que no implica cambios en la secuencia del ácido desoxirribonucléico (ADN) y que puede transmitirse durante una o más generaciones a través de mitosis o meiosis. Los hijos de madres con diabetes gestacional son más propensos a desarrollar obesidad y diabetes en la vida adulta. La metilación del ADN es un mecanismo importante en la regulación de la transcripción y expresión de varios genes. Los niveles altos de glucosa e insulina durante el embarazo influyen en el riesgo de desarrollo de DMT2, lo cual sugiere que los patrones de expresión a través de la memoria celular en los tejidos específicos se modifican. Si la DMT2 es consecuencia de una adaptación in utero, obviamente la prevención primaria consiste en proteger el desarrollo fetal. Los estudios epidemiológicos futuros necesitan emplear indicadores o marcadores del desarrollo más exactos que demuestren la relación entre una enfermedad y la exposición específica a factores medioambientales. Se deben explorar los mecanismos por los que la desnutrición y el retraso del crecimiento in utero producen cambios en el metabolismo de la glucosa y la insulina a fin de enfrentar la obesidad y la DMT2.
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