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The effect of maternal diabetes during pregnancy on the neurodevelopment of offspring
1Center for Neurobehavioral Development, University of Minnesota, USA.
Insights
Maternal glucose intolerance affects 10% of pregnancies, with risks increasing due to obesity. This study examines infant outcomes and the impact of iron deficiency on brain processing in infants of diabetic mothers.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Maternal glucose intolerance complicates up to 10% of pregnancies.
- Rising obesity rates increase risks for diabetes and gestational diabetes.
- Metabolic syndrome exacerbates glucose intolerance during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform physicians about University of Minnesota research on infants of diabetic mothers.
- To highlight the role of iron deficiency in infant brain processing.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on outcomes of infants born to diabetic mothers.
- Analysis of the impact of maternal glucose control on fetal brain development.
- Investigation into the specific role of iron deficiency.
Main Results:
- Poor maternal glucose control poses risks to fetal brain development.
- Iron deficiency is implicated in differential brain processing in infants.
Conclusions:
- Physicians need awareness of risks associated with maternal glucose intolerance.
- Further research is warranted on iron deficiency and infant neurodevelopment.
Abstract:
As many as 10% of pregnancies are complicated by maternal glucose intolerance. With the risk of diabetes and gestational diabetes rising because of the obesity epidemic, that figure is likely to rise. Many obese individuals suffer from the metabolic syndrome, which makes them more prone to glucose intolerance when they are pregnant. Among the potential risks posed by poor maternal glucose control are those to the developing fetal brain. The goal of this article is to acquaint physicians with the results and clinical implications of studies conducted at the University of Minnesota on outcomes of infants of diabetic mothers and, in particular, on the role of iron deficiency in differential brain processing.
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