Nestlé research sheds light on Type 2 diabetes predisposition

23 Jan 2020 --- Following a Nestlé Research investigation into the factors that predispose children to develop Type 2 diabetes in adult life, new research has found that the earliest event leading to prediabetes is an early dysfunction of the beta-cell – the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels – independent of body weight. This is according to a first-of-its-kind study called EarlyBird also powered by the University of Plymouth in the UK, which sheds new light on the biological and physiological factors that are relevant for metabolic health in childhood. The study findings may help shape the way nutritional choices can target the insulin response to meals and the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

“These findings further enable the understanding of what is crucial for healthy growth and development in children,” a Nestlé spokesperson tells NutritionInsight. They also note that the scientists were “surprised” by the study’s results. “For the first time, the EarlyBird researchers were able to show that the first events leading to prediabetes are linked to beta-cells defects.” 

The findings that genetic markers influence both elevated and average courses of glycemic traits and beta-cell function in children during puberty independently of body mass index (BMI) are a significant step toward early identification of children at risk for diabetes, the study states.

Published in Diabetes Care, the study set out to investigate the link between childhood prediabetes developed prior to obesity and its association with relative insulin deficiency. For 15 years, the EarlyBird researchers monitored 307 healthy UK children from five years of age to early adulthood to explore how the metabolism changes during growth. 

The Nestlé spokesperson adds that nutritional interventions may prove useful in reducing such risks, such as increased nutritional intake that ensures an optimal insulin response.

For the children 
Children’s nutrition is a major global health concern, with governments and research continuing to find solutions to steady child obesity rates. In September, the Scottish government set sail to become one of the first nations to propose restrictions to limit the promotion and marketing of food and drinks high in fat, sugar or salt at a national scale. Meanwhile, agri-food organization Sustain has called upon the UK government to plan policies that will restrict hot food takeaways near schools to tackle childhood obesity as UK children are often surrounded by food vendors facilitating cheap, unhealthy food options.

More notably, a study from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre found that between half and two-thirds of breakfast cereals, ready meals, processed meat, processed seafood and yogurts are too unhealthy to market to children.

In the meantime, Nestlé will “continue to investigate the impact of nutrition on the health of children,” the company spokesperson concludes.

By Anni Schleicher