Abstract

Objective: To determine if multiparity is associated with type 2 diabetes, independent of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and adipokines.

Research Design and Methods: Participants were from the UCSD Filipino Women's Health Study with at least one live birth. A two hour 75 gram OGTT was administered; adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin, reproductive history, family history of diabetes, VAT, and lifestyle behaviors were measured between 1995-2002.

Results: Among 152 women, mean age was 59.5 years (range: 48-73), mean parity was 4.3 (range: 1-12 births). Type 2 diabetes prevalence increased by parity group (low:1-2 births,25%; medium: 3-5 births, 30.3%; and grand multiparity: 6-12 births, 50%, p=0.048). Family history of diabetes, exercise, insulin resistance, leptin and ghrelin levels did not differ by parity group. Compared to women in the low parity group, women with ≥6 births were significantly older (62 vs 57 years), had lower college completion (22 vs 58%, p=0.006), more hypertension (72 vs 55%), VAT (74.9 vs 58.4 cm³) and lower adiponectin concentration (5.79 vs 7.61 μg/ml).

In multivariate analysis adjusting for adiponectin, VAT, family history of diabetes, age, education, hypertension and estrogen use, grandmultiparous women had a threefold higher odds of type 2 diabetes (Adjusted OR: 3.40, 95% CI: 1.13-10.2) compared to low parity women. No differences were observed in the odds of diabetes between women in the medium (AOR: 1.10, 95% 0.41 - 2.91) compared to the low parity group

Conclusions: Having ≥6 children was associated with type 2 diabetes, independent of adiponectin, VAT, family history, and other measured diabetes risk factors.