[Effect of gestational diabetes on adiposity indicators during the first 18 years of life; systematic review].

INTRODUCTION Gestational diabetes has been associated with obesity later in life. However, reported results have not been consistent and the methods used have shown weakness. OBJECTIVE To analize prospective and retrospective cohort studies that assess the gestational diabetes effects on adiposity indicators in the offspring during their first 18 years. METHODOLOGY A search was made for prospective or retrospective cohort studies registered in Medline/ Pubmed database, from January 2011 to September 2013 that evaluated the gestational diabetes effects on adiposity indicators at birth or after birth. RESULTS Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 472,959 pairs of mother and child were studied. Children age at the moment of evaluation ranged from birth to 18 years. In nine out of eleven articles an association between gestational diabetes and adiposity indicators was observed. In seven studies adjustments for potential confounders (pre gestational BMI, maternal age) were made. In five of those an association between gestational diabetes and adiposity was found. CONCLUSION The results of this review indicate that the evidence showing that gestational diabetes increase adiposity indicators later in life is moderate.