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Diabetes UK - Study suggests link between maternal obesity and diabetes and child developmental disorders
The researchers concluded that maternal metabolic conditions may be associated with brain developmental problems in children. Because of the nature of the study design, the study can only show whether metabolic conditions during pregnancy are associated with autism and neurodevelopmental problems; it cannot prove a cause and effect relationship.
No proof that diabetes causes developmental problems
Dr Matthew Hobbs, Head of Research at Diabetes UK, said, “This study considers the association between Type 2 and Gestational diabetes in pregnant mothers and developmental disorders in their children. It is important to note that while it does show an association, it does not show that diabetes causes developmental problems. Further research is needed to answer some questions which were not investigated in this study.
"No significant association between maternal diabetes and risk of autism"
“This study found that children born to mothers with Type 2 or gestational diabetes were about 2.3 times more likely to have developmental delay, compared to mothers without diabetes and who were not obese. It found that there was no significant association between a mother having diabetes and the chance of her children having autism.
Good diabetes control might significantly reduce risk
Related links
- Read the original research paper at Pediatrics
- Watch our videos on preconception care
- More information on pregnancy and diabetes