Maternal body mass index (BMI) is independently associated with the control of diabetes mellitus in young patients

Investigate the cross-sectional association of glycemic control of ethnically diverse youth with diabetes mellitus with family characteristics. Family study of 91 youth (probands) with diabetes mellitus and 142 parents. Children's age and HbA1c averaged 11.9 years and 8.9%, respectively; 69% were minorities. After adjustment, poor glycemic control was associated with minority race/ethnicity, more television viewing, and higher maternal body mass index (BMI). Average HbA1c was 1.2 and 1.9% units higher for children of overweight and obese mothers, respectively (p = 0.004). The positive association between maternal body composition and child HbA1c likely represents the unique behavioral influence of mothers.