Low birthweight in patients with type 2 diabetes is associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular events and mortality – published online 22/05/2024

Aleksander L. Hansen, Charlotte Brøns, Leonie M. Engelhard, Mette K. Andersen, Torben Hansen, Jens S. Nielsen, Peter Vestergaard, Kurt Højlund, Niels Jessen, Michael H. Olsen, Henrik T. Sørensen, Reimar W. Thomsen, Allan Vaag

Exposure to an adverse intrauterine environment, leading to a small, vulnerable newborn, is associated with a reduction in short-term survival. In addition, survivors are vulnerable to health problems throughout life, including lower cognition and educational achievement and increased susceptibility to adult diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and CVD. In this issue, Hansen et al (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-024-06170-z) provide new evidence that low birthweight is not only associated with a higher risk of CVD in the general population, but also significantly elevates the risk of major cardiovascular events among individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The authors show that a birthweight under 3000 g, representing 25% of the study population, is associated with an elevated risk of stroke, peripheral arterial disease and cardiovascular-related death in this already high-risk group. The authors conclude that these findings underscore the need to consider birthweight in cardiovascular risk assessments and to develop more tailored preventive strategies for people with type 2 diabetes.