Eukaryotic cells have evolved a complex series of nutrient sensors that protect them from damage caused by acute deficiencies and also mediate adaptive responses to prolonged excess or deficiency of particular nutrients. In adults gene expression is regulated by nutrients interacting with pathways involving mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) and peroxisome proliferator activator proteins (PPARs). These systems are also present in key cells of the developing oocyte, embryo and fetus. In this review we will consider the role of interactions between genes and nutrients during reproduction with a particular emphasis on their possible involvement in the prenatal programming of glucose metabolism in the adult.