A recent study conducted by Edith Cowan University (ECU) has revealed that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at a heightened risk of developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other externalizing behaviors. The findings, which analyzed data from over 200,000 mother-child pairs across Europe and Australia, indicate a strong correlation between gestational diabetes and the onset of ADHD symptoms in children.
The research, led by Dr. Rachelle Pretorius and Professor Rae-Chi Huang, found that children aged 7 to 10 born to mothers with gestational diabetes exhibited consistently higher levels of ADHD symptoms compared to their peers born to mothers without the condition. Additionally, children aged 4 to 6 also showed a higher incidence of externalizing behaviors, such as impulsivity, aggression, and hyperactivity.
“Externalizing behaviors are outward-directed actions such as defiance or aggression, contrasting with internalizing behaviors like anxiety or depression,” explained Dr. Pretorius. “These behaviors are often seen in children with ADHD and may manifest before formal diagnosis, particularly during early school years.”
Professor Huang added that while ADHD symptoms typically become more apparent as children mature, the lack of biological markers for the disorder makes early detection challenging.
Although the exact reasons behind the link between gestational diabetes and ADHD remain unclear, the study suggests that maternal health factors, such as inflammation during pregnancy, could play a crucial role in influencing brain development in utero. Chronic maternal inflammation, in particular, has been linked to altered neurodevelopmental outcomes, potentially contributing to conditions like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
While the research highlights the possibility of a long-term impact on children’s behavior, the team emphasized that further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms behind these associations.
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