A new meta-analysis involving more than 202 studies and 56 million pregnancies suggests a concerning link between diabetes during pregnancy and an elevated risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in children. The study emphasizes the critical need for diligent monitoring of blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy to mitigate potential risks.
Chinese researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of 202 studies, with 110 focusing on gestational diabetes and 80 on pre-gestational diabetes. The findings revealed a 28% higher likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders in children born to mothers with diabetes during pregnancy compared to those without the condition. Furthermore, the analysis uncovered a 25% increased risk of autism spectrum disorder, a 30% increased risk of ADHD, and a 32% increased risk of intellectual disability in these children. The risks were found to be more pronounced in women with pre-gestational diabetes.
In response to the study, experts emphasized the vulnerability of the foetus to environmental influences and the long-term impact on health. They also cautioned about the complexities of interpreting the findings, given the observational nature of the contributing studies and the potential impact of diabetes treatment variations. However, emerging evidence from MRI imaging of children exposed to maternal diabetes underscores the importance of prevention, screening, and treatment of diabetes during pregnancy for the well-being of both the mother and the child.