Study Quantifies Link Between Maternal Diabetes and Neurodevelopmental Risks in Children

Meta-analysis of over 56 million pregnancies highlights increased risks of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability, while emphasizing the need for careful blood sugar monitoring during pregnancy.

• A new meta-analysis of 202 studies involving over 56 million pregnancies found that maternal diabetes is associated with a 28% increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
• Specific risks include a 25% higher likelihood of autism, a 30% higher risk of ADHD, and a 32% higher risk of intellectual disability among children of mothers with diabetes during pregnancy.
• Pre-gestational diabetes, diagnosed before pregnancy, poses a 39% higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders compared to gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy.
• Researchers stress the critical importance of diligent monitoring of maternal blood sugar levels as a potential strategy to mitigate risks.
• The study highlights the observational nature of the data, cautioning that while associations are strong, causality cannot be definitively established.

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