Gestational diabetes tied to rises in ADHD and autism
7 hours ago
- #gestational diabetes
- #pregnancy health
- #neurodevelopmental disorders
- A large study of over nine million pregnancies found a link between gestational diabetes and increased risks of ADHD (36%) and autism (56%) in children.
- Mothers with gestational diabetes scored lower on cognitive function tests, averaging 2.5 points below peers on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.
- Children of mothers with gestational diabetes had lower IQ scores (nearly 4 points lower) and reduced verbal crystallized intelligence (3 points lower).
- Gestational diabetes affects about 14% of pregnancies globally and is linked to pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and neonatal hypoglycemia.
- The study cannot confirm causation but highlights a strong association between gestational diabetes and neurodevelopmental risks.
- Potential mechanisms include inflammation, cellular stress, reduced oxygen supply, and high insulin levels affecting brain development in the womb.
- Gestational diabetes prevalence is rising, partly due to higher obesity rates and later maternal age at pregnancy.
- Researchers recommend long-term studies to assess if cognitive disparities persist into adulthood and emphasize monitoring glucose levels and postnatal screenings.