Gestational Diabetes Increasing Risks for Mothers and Children: Cognitive Decline, ADHD, and Autism

A comprehensive international study has established a significant link between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy and long-term health impacts for both mothers and their children. The research, involving data from over 9 million pregnancies across 20 countries, including Singapore, indicates that women with GDM tend to experience notable declines in cognitive function after pregnancy. Specifically, these mothers scored an average of 2.47 points lower on cognitive assessments compared to those without GDM.

Furthermore, children born to mothers with GDM face increased developmental challenges. The study found that such children exhibit nearly a four-point reduction in IQ scores, with a 36% heightened risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a 56% higher likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and a 45% greater chance of experiencing various developmental delays.

The findings, presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting in Vienna, carry significant implications, especially for Singapore where GDM affects about one in five pregnancies—above the global average—and childhood autism rates are notably high at around 1 in 150 children. The research was led by Assistant Professor Queenie Li Ling Jun from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

While GDM often resolves postpartum, this study highlights the importance of early detection and meticulous management to mitigate long-term cognitive and developmental risks. Recent advancements suggest that a non-fasting blood test in the first trimester could facilitate earlier diagnosis of GDM, enabling timely intervention.

Understanding the full impact of GDM on a child's brain development remains an ongoing area of research. The study’s authors advocate for extended monitoring and further studies to clarify how GDM influences cognitive functions over time. Ultimately, continuous neurocognitive assessments combined with early intervention strategies could improve the health trajectories of affected mothers and children, benefitting families and public health systems alike.