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Aarushi Bhadury

Gestational Diabetes Could Increase The Risk Of ADHD And Autism In Mothers And Children: Study Shows

A new global study has found a connection between <span>gestational diabetes</span> during pregnancy and its effects on both mothers and their children. The research suggests this condition might lower a mother’s intellectual function and increase a child's risk for developmental disorders like autism and <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/adhd">ADHD</a></span>. The study is currently under on-going review and meta-analysis and will be presented at this year’s Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). 

Diabetes is a big issue people are facing all over the world. Approximately 589 million adults in the world are living with diabetes in 2025 (International Diabetes Federation) and this number is predicted to increase to 853 million by 2050. 

Among the types of diabetes, you may find pre-diabetes, type1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes has been deemed a growing problem, and new studies are being done to ensure that 

Gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, is becoming more and more common, affecting about 14% of pregnancies worldwide (2024 Lancet Study). While it usually disappears after the baby is born, it can lead to other problems. Mothers are at a higher risk for high blood pressure and C-sections, while their babies may be born early, be larger than normal, or face a higher risk of developing diabetes and obesity later in life. 

This new research, which looked at 48 different studies and included over 9 million pregnancies, is the first major analysis to show how gestational diabetes might affect the brain function of both mothers and their children. 

<h2>How Is <span rel="noindex">Diabetes Linked To ADHD and Autism</span>? </h2>

<ul><li>Moms who had gestational diabetes scored lower on mental ability tests after giving birth. This points to a potential decline in their thinking skills. </li></ul>

<ul><li>Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes had, on average, a slightly lower IQ score and a harder time with language. They were also 36% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and 56% more likely to be diagnosed with autism. </li></ul>

While scientists don't know the exact reason for this, they believe factors like inflammation, stress in the body's cells, and high insulin levels in the mother could all affect the baby's brain development. These changes in the womb might then impact a child's learning and thinking abilities as they get older. 

The study’s authors stress the importance of better screening and management of gestational diabetes. They believe that early and effective treatment could help lower these risks for both mothers and their children. 

<h2>Do Other Studies Support <span rel="noindex">Diabetes And ADHD Link</span>? </h2>

Many other studies have looked into this potential link like a 2018 study published in the Diabetes Care journal. The study found that the more severe the mother's diabetes, the higher the risk of ADHD for the child. This adds to a growing understanding that a mother's health during pregnancy can have a big impact on her child's brain development. 

The study, which looked at the health records of over 333,000 children, found that different types of diabetes carried different levels of risk for the child. 

Mothers with type 1 diabetes had a 57% higher risk of having a child with ADHD compared to mothers without diabetes. 

<strong>Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes</strong> 

The risk was also higher for mothers with type 2 diabetes who needed medication during pregnancy (43% higher risk) and those with gestational diabetes who needed medication (26% higher risk). 

For mothers with gestational diabetes who were able to manage their blood sugar with diet and exercise alone, the risk of their child developing ADHD was similar to that of mothers without diabetes. 

<h2>Diabetes And Autism Link In Other Studies </h2>

A 2018 study published in JAMA showed that women with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes had a higher risk of having a child with autism. A more recent study showed that if a woman’s blood sugar levels were high early in her pregnancy, her child was nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with autism. 

Both Dr. Xiang and Dr. Klara Feldman, a co-author on the research, agree on one main takeaway: It's extremely important for women to work with their doctors to keep their blood sugar levels under control, not just during pregnancy, but even before they get pregnant (as mentioned by Kaiser Permanente Department of Research &amp; Evaluation). Dr. Feldman urges women who are thinking about having a baby to see their doctor beforehand. This is a chance to get tested for diabetes if they haven't been and to create a plan to manage their health. Getting blood sugar under control early is one of the best ways to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

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A new global study has found a connection between gestational diabetes during pregnancy and its effects on both mothers and their children. The research suggests this condition might lower a mother’s intellectual function and increase a child's risk for developmental disorders like autism and ADHD. The study is currently under on-going review and meta-analysis and will be presented at this year’s Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Diabetes is a big issue people are facing all over the world. Approximately 589 million adults in the world are living with diabetes in 2025 (International Diabetes Federation) and this number is predicted to increase to 853 million by 2050. Among the types of diabetes, you may find pre-diabetes, type1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes has been deemed a growing problem, and new studies are being done to ensure that What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, is becoming more and more common, affecting about 14% of pregnancies worldwide (2024 Lancet Study). While it usually disappears after the baby is born, it can lead to other problems. Mothers are at a higher risk for high blood pressure and C-sections, while their babies may be born early, be larger than normal, or face a higher risk of developing diabetes and obesity later in life. This new research, which looked at 48 different studies and included over 9 million pregnancies, is the first major analysis to show how gestational diabetes might affect the brain function of both mothers and their children. How Is Diabetes Linked To ADHD and Autism? The study found some significant links: Moms who had gestational diabetes scored lower on mental ability tests after giving birth. This points to a potential decline in their thinking skills. Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes had, on average, a slightly lower IQ score and a harder time with language. They were also 36% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and 56% more likely to be diagnosed with autism. Does Diabetes Affect The Womb? While scientists don't know the exact reason for this, they believe factors like inflammation, stress in the body's cells, and high insulin levels in the mother could all affect the baby's brain development. These changes in the womb might then impact a child's learning and thinking abilities as they get older. The study’s authors stress the importance of better screening and management of gestational diabetes. They believe that early and effective treatment could help lower these risks for both mothers and their children. Do Other Studies Support Diabetes And ADHD Link? Many other studies have looked into this potential link like a 2018 study published in the Diabetes Care journal. The study found that the more severe the mother's diabetes, the higher the risk of ADHD for the child. This adds to a growing understanding that a mother's health during pregnancy can have a big impact on her child's brain development. The study, which looked at the health records of over 333,000 children, found that different types of diabetes carried different levels of risk for the child. Type 1 Diabetes Mothers with type 1 diabetes had a 57% higher risk of having a child with ADHD compared to mothers without diabetes. Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes The risk was also higher for mothers with type 2 diabetes who needed medication during pregnancy (43% higher risk) and those with gestational diabetes who needed medication (26% higher risk). No Increased Risk For mothers with gestational diabetes who were able to manage their blood sugar with diet and exercise alone, the risk of their child developing ADHD was similar to that of mothers without diabetes. Diabetes And Autism Link In Other Studies A 2018 study published in JAMA showed that women with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes had a higher risk of having a child with autism. A more recent study showed that if a woman’s blood sugar levels were high early in her pregnancy, her child was nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with autism. What Can You Do? Both Dr. Xiang and Dr. Klara Feldman, a co-author on the research, agree on one main takeaway: It's extremely important for women to work with their doctors to keep their blood sugar levels under control, not just during pregnancy, but even before they get pregnant (as mentioned by Kaiser Permanente Department of Research & Evaluation). Dr. Feldman urges women who are thinking about having a baby to see their doctor beforehand. This is a chance to get tested for diabetes if they haven't been and to create a plan to manage their health. Getting blood sugar under control early is one of the best ways to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

gestational diabetes could increase the risk of adhd and autism in mothers and children: study shows

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