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Gestational diabetes linked to increased child autism risk
High blood sugar levels affect brain development processes
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Friday 13th February 2026 |
Recent research suggests a significant link between gestational diabetes and neurodevelopmental conditions in children, including autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.
The study, conducted by researchers from Australia and Singapore, highlights that high blood sugar levels during pregnancy may disrupt delicate brain formation processes.
This disruption is reportedly caused by inflammation, stress, and nutrient imbalances, potentially leading to long-term cognitive differences.
The condition, which affects hundreds of thousands of expectant mothers annually, is becoming more prevalent due to factors such as rising obesity rates and older maternal age.
Dr Ling-Jun Li of the National University of Singapore emphasised the urgency of addressing this public health concern, noting the potential for substantial cognitive dysfunction risks for both mothers and their offspring.
The findings revealed that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes were more likely to face developmental delays and achieve lower scores on IQ tests.
Furthermore, the mothers themselves scored lower on cognitive assessments used to screen for dementia.
These results suggest that better management of blood sugar levels during pregnancy could be crucial for protecting the long-term health of both the parent and the child, highlighting a need for increased awareness.
Source: Daily Mail (UK)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-15100651/
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