Maternal Diabetes During Pregnancy Linked to Higher Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children: Study

Lancet Study Flags Potential Link Between Pregnancy Diabetes and Conditions Like Autism, ADHD​

New Delhi, April 8 – A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology has found that children born to mothers with diabetes during pregnancy may face significantly higher risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities.

The international research team, including scientists from Central South University, China, analyzed data from over 56 million mother-child pairs across more than 200 previously published studies. Their findings suggest a 28% overall increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children exposed to maternal diabetes compared to those who were not.

Key Findings​

• 25% increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• 30% increased risk of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• 32% increased risk of Intellectual Disability (ID)
• Elevated risks for communication, learning, and motor disorders

The study highlights that all forms of maternal diabetes—including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes—were associated with these increased risks.

Maternal Diabetes on the Rise​

The researchers noted that maternal diabetes is becoming increasingly common worldwide, driven by factors such as:

• Rising obesity
• Sedentary lifestyles
• Advanced maternal age (35 years and above)

Previous studies have pointed to the possibility of maternal diabetes affecting the brain development of the fetus. However, until now, evidence linking it to long-term neurodevelopmental disorders has been inconclusive.

Call for Caution and Further Research​

While the study uncovers strong associations, the researchers urge cautious interpretation, stressing that a causal relationship has not been established. More targeted research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms underlying the connection between maternal diabetes and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.

Importance of Monitoring and Support​

The study’s authors recommend:

• Medical support for women at risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy
• Continued developmental monitoring of children born to diabetic mothers

They emphasize that early intervention could make a significant difference in outcomes, given that many neurodevelopmental disorders are lifelong and impact quality of life well into adulthood.

Broader Impacts of ADHD​

The findings also align with separate research published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, which revealed that adults with ADHD face a reduced life expectancy—by seven years for men and nine years for women. ADHD has also been associated with an increased risk of dementia, due to the condition’s effect on cognitive resilience in later life.