New research has uncovered a potential connection between gestational diabetes and a higher likelihood of children developing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A study conducted by Edith Cowan University reveals that children aged 7 to 10 are particularly at risk of an ADHD diagnosis if their mothers had gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
The study, which analyzed health data from over 200,000 mother-child pairs across Europe and Australia, also found that children between the ages of 4 and 6 born to mothers with gestational diabetes were more likely to exhibit externalizing behaviors—such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, defiance, and aggression—compared to their peers born to mothers without the condition.
Dr. Rachelle Pretorius, the study’s lead author, explained that externalizing behaviors are often seen in children who display outward signs of distress rather than internal struggles like anxiety or depression. These behaviors often emerge early, particularly during school years, and are commonly observed alongside ADHD symptoms.
Professor Rae-Chi Huang, a joint author of the study, noted that these externalizing problems might decrease as children age, but they could also evolve into more recognizable ADHD symptoms. The absence of biological markers for ADHD makes early diagnosis challenging, and the study suggests these behaviors could be an early indication of ADHD development.
While the precise mechanisms linking gestational diabetes to ADHD remain unclear, Dr. Pretorius speculates that maternal inflammation, both acute and chronic, during pregnancy may play a key role in altering brain development and influencing long-term cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Previous research has indicated that the combined effects of maternal obesity and diabetes may have a more pronounced impact on neurodevelopment, contributing to both autism spectrum disorder and ADHD in children.
This study highlights the need for further exploration into how gestational diabetes affects child development, particularly in relation to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Related topics:
Understanding Type 5 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips
Eli Lilly’s Experimental GLP-1 Pill Shows Promise in Weight Loss and Diabetes Management
Study Finds Common Diabetes Medications May Help Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease
