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Link Established Between Gestational Diabetes and Autism Risk
In recent discussions surrounding autism and its potential causes, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has advocated for inquiries into previously discredited assertions that vaccines may cause autism. However, fresh research has emerged highlighting a compelling correlation between gestational diabetes and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
A significant study conducted in China and published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal reveals that approximately 9% of pregnancies in the U.S. are impacted by gestational diabetes. This study not only connects diabetes during pregnancy to autism but also to several other neurodevelopmental disorders.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism spectrum disorder is attributed to brain differences that may stem from known genetic factors; however, many causes still remain unidentified. It is widely accepted that a combination of factors contributes to the development of the disorder.
The recent meta-analysis synthesizes data from over 202 studies involving more than 56 million mother-child pairs. Findings indicate that children born to mothers with diabetes during pregnancy face a 28% increased likelihood of being diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder. Specifically, the risk of autism rises by 25% in these cases.
Moreover, the analysis uncovers even more concerning statistics: children are 30% more likely to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 32% more likely to have intellectual disabilities, 20% more likely to experience communication difficulties, and show a marked increase in issues related to movement (17%) and learning disorders (16%) when compared to those whose mothers did not suffer from gestational diabetes.
Interestingly, it was noted that women diagnosed with diabetes before becoming pregnant exhibit a 39% heightened risk for neurodevelopmental issues in their children compared to those who develop diabetes during pregnancy—a condition that typically resolves post-delivery.
Previous studies have identified a higher prevalence of diabetes among individuals with autism, while individuals with autism itself might also be at an elevated risk of diabetes, as revealed in a 2022 meta-analysis from the U.K.
The researchers from the latest study advocate for further investigation into this critical connection and recommend continual monitoring of blood sugar levels during pregnancy to mitigate potential risks.
This report was originally published on Fortune.com.
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