A single antenatal course of betamethasone adversely affects glucose regulation in adulthood and the next generation in childhood

Methods A cohort of 52 adults (aged 35.7 years, 46% men, 23 born after steroid treatment) and their term-born children (n=61, aged 8.0 years, 52% boys, 49% from a parent born after steroid treatment), was recruited in Auckland. Insulin sensitivity and secretion were assessed using hyperglycaemic clamps in adults, and HOMA-IR in children. Other assessments included DXA-derived body composition, lipid profile, adipokines, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.