Gestational Diabetes Linked to Cognitive Decline, ADHD, Autism Risk Across 20 Countries

A comprehensive meta-analysis of over nine million pregnancies across 20 countries has revealed that gestational diabetes, affecting about 14% of pregnancies worldwide, is associated with a decline in cognitive function for mothers and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in their children, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. The study found that mothers with gestational diabetes scored lower on cognitive assessments, while their children showed significant reductions in IQ and verbal intelligence scores, alongside a 36% higher risk of ADHD and a 56% higher risk of autism. Gestational diabetes arises from hormonal changes during pregnancy that impact insulin function, leading to high blood sugar levels which may have neurotoxic effects on the developing brain. These findings, presented at the 2025 European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting, highlight the urgent need for early screening, accurate management of blood sugar levels during pregnancy, and regular follow-ups for children to mitigate these cognitive and developmental risks. Additionally, gestational diabetes increases risks for other complications such as high blood pressure, cesarean delivery in mothers, and premature birth and neonatal hypoglycemia in children. Experts emphasize that more research is needed to fully understand these long-term implications and inform public health strategies.