Caesarean babies tend to develop diabetes and obesity

Why an early caesarean section can lead to health problems for newborns?
If babies are born prematurely, they cause various health risks. Researchers have now found that babies born prematurely by Caesarean section more often develop metabolic (metabolism), hormone and endocrine system problems, which can lead to diabetes and obesity.

The researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel found that early Caesarean births increase the likelihood of diabetes among babies. The doctors published a press release on the results of their study.

In premature births, a so-called caesarean section is performed. Such premature births can lead to type 1 diabetes, obesity, and perhaps even behavioral problems in those affected later in life. (Image: VRD - fotolia)

Preterm babies are more likely to have metabolism and hormone problems
Delivering babies early with Caesarean section increases the risk of metabolism and hormone problems, as well as the endocrine system. These problems can in turn cause sufferers to develop diabetes and other illnesses later in life, the experts explain.

Premature babies develop obesity more often
In other words, if mothers decide to have early delivery by caesarean section, this will increase the risk of developing diabetes and obesity in babies later in life, the authors explain. The results of the study show that if babies are born only two weeks early, the risk of diabetes and obesity is already rising.

Premature babies are at increased risk for a shortened life expectancy
This also means that the children are at higher risk for premature death due to the health problems that occur. The scientists warned that selective Caesarean sections too early can endanger children's health.

Premature babies develop endocrine and metabolic problems more often until the age of 18
The results of the study showed that preterm infants up to the age of 18 years are more likely to have endocrine and metabolic problems compared to children who are given birth at the normal time. This risk is particularly high at the age of five or older, explains author Professor Eyal Sheiner of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

Preterm children are more likely to have type 1 diabetes
The researchers also found in their study that premature infants had much higher rates of type 1 diabetes when they were over five years old. This form of the disease usually develops in childhood or adolescence. In the disease sufferers suffer from a deficiency of the body's own hormone insulin. In the course of the disease, the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas die. For this reason, the blood sugar level rises and the person concerned has no other choice than to inject insulin from this point on. Type 1 diabetes is therefore not dependent on the lifestyle factors of a person.

Behavioral disorders due to premature birth?
Last but not least, the medical profession speculates that premature babies, even if born only a few weeks early, can develop long-term health problems and behavioral problems. (As)