Pregnancy and diabetes: new study links mum’s blood sugar to ADHD and autism risk in kids
Children of mums with diabetes in pregnancy face a higher risk of ADHD and autism, a new study finds. Here's what parents need to know.
A major new study has found that mums with diabetes in pregnancy could be more likely to have children diagnosed with autism, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions — but experts say it’s no reason to panic.
Instead, they’re calling for better screening and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy to help reduce the risk.
The research — published in The Lancet and led by a team in China — reviewed over 200 studies, covering more than 56 million pregnancies. It's one of the largest of its kind to date.
It found that children born to mums who had diabetes during pregnancy were 28% more likely to be diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder. This included:
- A 25% increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- A 30% increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- A 32% increased risk of intellectual disability
The risk was even higher for children whose mums had pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes before pregnancy, compared to those who developed gestational diabetes while pregnant.
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy and usually goes away after birth. It’s more common in the second or third trimester and can often be managed with diet, exercise or, in some cases, medication.
Many women don’t experience any symptoms, but when they do, it may include:
- Feeling thirsty more often
- Needing to wee frequently
- Dry mouth or tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Genital itching or recurring thrush
Routine mid-pregnancy checks in the UK typically include screening for gestational diabetes if you're considered at higher risk — for example, if you’ve had it in a previous pregnancy, have a BMI over 30, or have a close family history of diabetes.
Why experts say we shouldn’t panic
Despite the findings, researchers and doctors are urging caution. The studies reviewed were observational, meaning they show a connection but can’t confirm that diabetes directly causes developmental conditions.
Lucilla Poston, professor of maternal and foetal health at King’s College London, called the study “well conducted” and praised it for ruling out other possible factors like obesity and socioeconomic status.
She explained, “The human foetus is exquisitely vulnerable to changes in its environment which may affect life-long health,” but added, “causality must be treated with caution.”
Researchers also noted that factors like how diabetes is diagnosed in different countries and how it’s treated during pregnancy could also affect the results.
What this means for pregnant mums
While the headline findings may sound worrying, experts agree the takeaway for mums is straightforward: regular screening and careful blood sugar management during pregnancy is important — for your health and your baby’s.
The study’s authors emphasised that “diligent monitoring of maternal glycaemic concentrations throughout pregnancy is imperative.”
MRI studies of children born to diabetic mums have shown structural changes in parts of the brain linked to mental and physical health — adding further weight to the need for early intervention and support.
In short, this research reinforces the importance of attending all your antenatal appointments and following your healthcare team’s advice if you’re diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy.
As Prof Poston put it: “Diabetes prevention, screening and treatment remain critically important not only for the health of the mother, but also her child.”
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.