Maternal HF diet tends to worsen diabetes by raising maternal hyperglycemia (349 ± 21 vs. 413 ± 27mg/dL, P = 0.086 by t-test), insulin needs (85 ± 13 vs. 115 ± 14units throughout pregnancy, P = 0.163), and maternal ketones (0.73 ± 0.06 vs. 2.40 ± 0.29mmol/L, P < 0.0001), which can readily cross the placenta as an additional exposure for developing offspring. The gene discussed is INS; the disease is diabetes mellitus.