New scientific research has revealed that nicotine or tobacco consumption by fathers can have a serious impact on the health of their children in future. Scientists say that if men consume nicotine for a long time before conceiving, it can increase the risk of metabolic problems and diabetes in their children.
According to researchers, till now the mother’s health and habits during pregnancy were considered to be linked to the future health of the child. But recent studies indicate that father’s lifestyle may be equally important. Scientists believe that the father’s nicotine habit can cause biological changes in his sperm, which can later be passed on to the children.
Research has shown that nicotine can cause changes in the body that are called “epigenetic changes”. This means that the way a gene works can change even without changing the structure of the DNA. These changes can increase the possibility of metabolic problems in the next generation.
Scientists found during experiments that the children of males who were exposed to nicotine showed many abnormal signs related to sugar metabolism. These included insulin-related disturbances and changes in the body’s ability to regulate glucose. Such changes can increase the risk of diseases like obesity, fatty liver and type-2 diabetes in future.
Some other research also indicates that people exposed to tobacco before conception or early in life have been found to have a higher risk of type-2 diabetes later on. A large study found that people who were exposed to tobacco before pregnancy had about a 22 percent higher risk of developing diabetes.
Experts say that this research gives important messages for public health. Till now doctors have been advising women to stay away from smoking during pregnancy, but new information suggests that men should also pay attention to their lifestyle before pregnancy.
Scientists believe that if men quit smoking or consuming nicotine products in time, then the health risks of future generations can be reduced to a great extent.
Researchers also said that more detailed study is needed on this topic to understand how and to what extent father’s nicotine habit affects children’s metabolism and diabetes risk.