A recent meta-analysis of nearly 50 scientific studies indicates that gestational diabetes, a condition that develops during pregnancy, may significantly affect both maternal health and the cognitive development of children. The research, set to be presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Vienna in September 2025, analyzed data from over nine million pregnancies across 20 countries.
Women who developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy exhibited measurable declines in cognitive function. Additionally, their children showed an increased risk of developmental disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Impact of Gestational Diabetes on Mothers and Children
Gestational diabetes affects approximately 14 percent of pregnancies worldwide, with rising prevalence among older women, those with obesity, individuals with a family history of diabetes, and non-white ethnic groups. While the condition typically resolves after childbirth, it raises several health risks, including high blood pressure, caesarean delivery, and future type 2 diabetes. For infants, exposure to gestational diabetes can lead to complications such as premature birth, high birth weight, and low blood sugar levels after delivery.
Professor Ling-Jun Li of the National University of Singapore’s School of Medicine emphasizes the importance of addressing this public health issue. “Our findings underscore the urgency of addressing this significant public health concern that poses substantial cognitive dysfunction risks for both mothers and offspring,” said Li.
The meta-analysis reviewed 48 observational studies published up to April 2024. The team assessed cognitive function during pregnancy through five studies, finding that women with gestational diabetes scored an average of 2.47 points lower on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a standard tool for screening cognitive impairment.
For children, the disparities were even more pronounced. In the analysis of 43 studies, researchers discovered that children exposed to gestational diabetes in utero had lower IQ scores—by nearly 4 points on average—compared to peers whose mothers did not have the condition. The study also noted a decline of just over three points in verbal crystallized intelligence, which reflects language comprehension and communication skills.
Increased Risks for Developmental Disorders
The analysis revealed concerning associations with developmental disorders among children born to mothers with gestational diabetes. These children faced a 45 percent higher risk of developmental delays, a 36 percent increased likelihood of developing ADHD, and a 56 percent greater risk of autism spectrum disorder. Interestingly, the researchers found no significant differences in overall brain structure or general cognitive scores. This suggests that gestational diabetes may specifically affect certain cognitive domains rather than general brain development.
The precise mechanisms behind these findings remain unclear. Researchers speculate that factors such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, reduced oxygen supply, and high insulin levels during pregnancy could disrupt fetal brain development. These biological stresses may lead to difficulties in learning, attention, and social communication later in life.
Professor Li advises women diagnosed with gestational diabetes to prioritize both their health during pregnancy and their child’s development after birth. “Monitoring routine developmental milestones in their children is important,” she stated. She also noted that evidence regarding postpartum neurocognitive function is still lacking, meaning conclusions cannot yet be drawn about mothers’ cognitive recovery.
For women at risk but not yet diagnosed, Dr. Li recommends close monitoring of blood sugar levels under medical guidance, including early screening and maintaining a healthy antenatal diet and lifestyle. Current clinical trials are investigating strategies for optimal glycemic control in gestational diabetes, with promising results for immediate maternal and neonatal outcomes.
“However, evidence regarding long-term neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism remains sparse,” Dr. Li concluded. “We will need to await results from longer follow-up randomized controlled trials to confirm whether these approaches yield benefits in that domain.”
This research highlights a critical area of concern in maternal and child health, underscoring the need for increased awareness and proactive management of gestational diabetes.
