Mother’s Diabetes Linked to Increased Autism Risk for Children

Risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be increased in children of mothers with the three main types of diabetes that complicate pregnancy. The severity of maternal diabetes and the timing of exposure may also be a factor.

The risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be heightened in children of mothers with the three main types of diabetes that complicate pregnancy.

Maternal preexisting type 2 diabetes (T2D) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed by 26 weeks have been associated with increased risk of ASD in children in prior research. Less is known about ASD risk associated with maternal preexisting type 1 diabetes (T1D).

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Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by impaired social and communication skills combined with repetitive movements.

‘The risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be increased in children of mothers with the three main types of diabetes that complicate pregnancy.’

The study was conducted on 419,425 children born at 28 to 44 weeks from 1995-2012.

What (Study Measures and Outcomes): Maternal T1D, T2D and GDM (exposures); diagnosis in children of ASD, which includes autistic disorders, Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (outcomes).

How (Study Design): This was an observational study. Researchers were not intervening for purposes of the study and cannot control all the natural differences that could explain the study findings.

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Results: Risk of ASD was higher in children exposed in utero to maternal preexisting T1D, T2D and gestational diabetes diagnosed by 26 weeks compared with no maternal diabetes exposure.

Study Limitations: Risk factors of the father, along with other intrauterine and postnatal exposures, couldn't be assessed.

Gestational Diabetes About
The condition is not caused by a lack of insulin, but by the action of hormones produced during pregnancy that blocks the action of insulin.

Results suggest the severity of maternal diabetes and the timing of exposure (early vs late in pregnancy) may be associated with the risk of ASD in children of mothers with diabetes.

Source-Eurekalert

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