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Diabetes and heart disease may be linked to a low weight at birth, new research suggests.

The study, which followed over 5,000 babies from birth to adulthood, found that those with a low birth weight had higher levels of white blood cells in adulthood.

White blood cells are an indicator of inflammation, which is a normal response of the immune system.

However, if inflammation persists over a period of time, it can promote the development of diabetes and heart disease.

Lead researcher Dr Dexter Canoy, from Manchester University’s school of community-based medicine, said: "Our findings suggest that the link between poorer growth early in life and these adult chronic diseases may involve inflammation as a common underlying factor."

He added that ensuring appropriate growth after birth may result in long-term health benefits for low-weight babies.

Babies weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) are considered low birth weight, which accounts for about 4.6 per cent of live births in the UK.

The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with diabetes.

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 at 4:00 pm and is filed under Diabetes, Heart.