Overview

• Researchers pooled 48 observational studies covering more than nine million pregnancies across 20 countries, with findings presented at the EASD 2025 meeting in Vienna.
• Children exposed in utero had a 36% higher likelihood of ADHD, a 56% higher risk of autism, and a 45% higher risk of developmental delays.
• Measured cognitive performance was lower, with child IQ about 3.92 points below peers and verbal crystallized intelligence down by roughly 3.18 points.
• Mothers with gestational diabetes scored an average of 2.47 points lower on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment during pregnancy.
• The analysis found no consistent differences in major brain structure or general cognitive scores, and researchers recommend tighter glucose monitoring in pregnancy and postnatal developmental screening given rising global prevalence of the condition.