New Delhi: A new study on diabetes during pregnancy has become a cause of concern for mothers and their children. This research, published in ‘The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology’ journal, has revealed that diabetes in pregnant women can increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intellectual disability in their children. This news is an alarm bell for millions of women who struggle with this disease during pregnancy, especially in India, where the prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly.
Increasing risk on children
According to the study, the risk of autism spectrum disorder increases by 25 percent, ADHD by 30 percent and intellectual disability by 32 percent in children of mothers suffering from diabetes during pregnancy. Apart from this, a decrease in communication, learning ability and motor skills was also observed. These risks were found to be negligible in the children of women who did not have diabetes during pregnancy. This difference is worrying and brings a serious message for parents.

Researcher Dr. Li Jun of China’s Central South University advised caution and said, “Our results are important, but it is too early to say that diabetes is the direct cause of these disorders. We need more in-depth research.” His statement shows that although the relationship is clear, its cause-effect structure is not yet fully understood.

Analysis of 56 million couples

The specialty of this study is its huge data. Researchers collected data of more than 56 million mother-child couples from more than 200 previous studies. In these, maternal diabetes and its effects on the neural development of children were deeply investigated. Previous research had also indicated that diabetes can affect the brain development of the fetus, but this new study is considered to be the most comprehensive analysis so far in this direction.

Growing concern in India

Gestational diabetes (GDM) has emerged as a major challenge in India. Its rate in the country is 10-14.3 percent, which is much higher than in Western countries. Factors like obesity, sedentary lifestyle and age above 35 years are promoting it. Delhi-based gynaecologist Dr Anita Sharma says, “India is not called the ‘diabetes capital’ for nothing. Here the burden of GDM and type-2 diabetes is becoming a threat to women and their children.” If diabetes is not diagnosed on time, it can cause complications for both mother and child. High birth weight, premature delivery and risk of diabetes in the child are some common problems. But now the addition of neurodevelopmental risks is making it more serious. Mother’s emotions and responsibility This news has brought emotional turmoil for mothers who are battling diabetes in pregnancy. Priyanka Verma from Noida, who recently became a mother, says, “I had GDM, and now it is scary to hear that it can affect my child’s future. Doctors should have made us aware earlier.” Her concern reflects the feelings of millions of Indian women. What is the way out? Researchers and doctors believe that awareness and timely intervention are key to reducing this risk. Diabetes screening before and during pregnancy, a balanced diet and regular exercise can help manage it. “Women need to pay attention to their health. If diabetes is controlled, these risks can be reduced to a great extent,” advises Dr Sharma.

A step forward

This study is a signal not just for the medical world but also for policymakers. In a country like India, where diabetes has taken the form of an epidemic, special health programmes are needed for pregnant women. It is not just a question of securing the health of the mother but also the future of the coming generations. As the research progresses, the root cause of this threat will hopefully be reached. But until then, this study is a warning to every pregnant woman and family—caution is safety.