In a recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers have identified an intricate relationship between maternal diabetes mellitus (MDM) and the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in their offspring. The prevalence of hyperglycemia during pregnancy stands at a staggering 16% globally. This global surge could be attributed to factors such as advancing maternal age, prevalent obesity epidemic, and enhanced diagnostic methodologies for MDM. Animal studies have evaluated the adverse impact of hyperglycemia during pregnancy, elucidating its association with intrauterine oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and epigenetic modifications, all of which pose a threat to optimal neurodevelopment in the offspring.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects around 2-7% of children globally. It is characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness. The consequences of ADHD are far-reaching, impacting not just the individual but also their family and society as a whole. Chan et.al conducted the population-based cohort study and gathered healthcare data from diverse regions including New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Nordic countries (Iceland, Sweden, Norway, and Finland). The study cohort comprised children born within specific timeframes; with mother-child pairs meticulously linked using deterministic linkage techniques.
The study results revealed that offspring born to mothers with any form of diabetes during pregnancy had a higher risk of ADHD compared to unexposed children (HR = 1.1). Similarly, increased risks of ADHD were observed for both GDM (HR = 1.10) and PGDM (HR = 1.39). However, siblings with differing exposure to GDM during pregnancy exhibited similar risks of ADHD (HR = 1.05), indicating the potential influence of unmeasured, shared familial factors. To strengthen the reliability and accuracy of their results, the researchers carried out several sensitivity analyses, which supported the credibility of the study. These analyses confirmed that MDM could be a potential risk factor for ADHD in children, emphasizing the need for further investigation and targeted interventions to lessen its negative effects.
The study findings underscore the importance of recognizing MDM as a potential risk factor for ADHD and highlight the need for further investigation and targeted interventions. It is imperative to understand the mechanisms underlying this association and implement preventive measures to avoid negative impact of MDM on neurodevelopment and improve the long-term outcomes for affected children.
Reference
Chan AYL, Gao L, Hsieh MHC, Kjerpeseth LJ, Avelar R, Banaschewski T, et al. Maternal diabetes and risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring in a multinational cohort of 3.6 million mother–child pairs. Nat Med. 2024 Apr 8; 1–8.