A groundbreaking global study has found that children born to mothers who experience diabetes during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, face a significantly higher risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The Largest Study of Its Kind
The research, published in JAMA Network Open in April 2025, analyzed data from over 56 million mother–child pairs across 202 studies worldwide. This meta-analysis is the largest and most comprehensive investigation to date on the relationship between maternal diabetes and childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Key Findings
- ADHD Risk: Children exposed to maternal diabetes during pregnancy were 30% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.
- Autism Risk: The risk of autism spectrum disorder was 25% higher in children whose mothers had diabetes during pregnancy.
- Intellectual Disability: The risk of intellectual disability was also elevated by 32%.
- Type of Diabetes: The risk was highest for children whose mothers had pre-existing diabetes, but gestational diabetes alone was still significantly associated with increased risks.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Developing Brain?
While the study did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, researchers believe that high blood sugar and inflammation during pregnancy may disrupt fetal brain development. These disruptions could increase the likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism.
What Does This Mean for Expectant Mothers?
The findings underscore the importance of managing blood sugar levels before and during pregnancy. Women with diabetes or at risk for gestational diabetes are encouraged to work closely with their healthcare providers to minimize potential risks to their children.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Sol Richardson, a pediatric neurologist not involved in the study, commented, “This research provides the strongest evidence yet that maternal health during pregnancy has long-term implications for a child’s brain development. While genetics and other factors also play a role, blood sugar management is a modifiable risk factor.”
The study’s authors caution that while the association is strong, it does not prove that gestational diabetes directly causes ADHD or autism. Other factors, such as genetics and environment, may also contribute. Further research is needed to understand the underlying biological mechanisms and to explore potential interventions.
As rates of gestational diabetes continue to rise globally, these findings offer a compelling reason for expectant mothers and healthcare providers to prioritize blood sugar management—not just for the mother’s health, but for the lifelong well-being of their children.
