Problems for Preemies: Early birth is linked to insulin overproduction

Infants born prematurely are more likely than full-term, normal-weight babies to later develop insulin resistance, a warning sign of diabetes, a new study finds.

SUGAR SHIFT. Babies born prematurely have an increased risk of developing insulin resistance, a warning sign for diabetes, later in life. Rubberball Productions

A person with insulin resistance has cells that respond inefficiently to insulin, the hormone that orchestrates sugar metabolism throughout the body.