Meta-Analysis Reveals Increased Risk of Neurological Disorders in Children of Mothers with Diabetes

A comprehensive meta-analysis published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology has highlighted a significant increase in the risk of neurological developmental disorders among children born to mothers with diabetes. The study, conducted by a team from the Central South University in Changsha, China, evaluated data from 202 studies involving over 56 million mother-child pairs.

The findings indicate that children of diabetic mothers face a 28% higher relative risk of experiencing various neurological developmental disorders. This increased risk encompasses a range of conditions, including:

• 25% for autism
• 30% for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• 32% for intellectual disabilities
• 27% for specific developmental disorders
• 20% for communication disorders
• 17% for motor disorders
• 16% for learning disorders

Furthermore, the analysis suggests that pre-existing diabetes prior to pregnancy poses a greater risk for these disorders compared to gestational diabetes, with relative risks of 1.39 versus 1.18, respectively.

While the study provides valuable insights, it is essential to note that it lacks absolute figures regarding the prevalence of these disorders among children. Professor Christoph Bührer from the Berlin Charité emphasized this point, noting that the study does not specify the absolute risk levels, which are crucial for understanding the broader implications of these findings. He remarked that the overall risk of these disorders remains low, implying that the majority of children are not affected.

Additionally, he cautioned against the potential for stigmatization of children born to diabetic mothers, suggesting that the slight increase in risk does not warrant special treatment or undue concern. Regular monitoring for developmental delays and neuropsychiatric conditions is already a standard part of pediatric care, as outlined in child health guidelines.

Overall, this meta-analysis sheds light on the critical intersection of maternal health and child development, underscoring the importance of managing diabetes effectively before and during pregnancy to mitigate potential risks.