[MATERNAL DIABETES MELLITUS AND ITS IMPACT ON CHILD NEURODEVELOPMENT; SYSTEMATIC REVIEW]

Area of Science:

• Perinatology and Developmental Neuroscience
• Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health concern, with increasing prevalence in pregnant women.
• Infants born to diabetic mothers face risks including macrosomia, hypoglycemia, and obesity.
• Maternal diabetes may negatively impact a child's neurological development, cognitive function, and intellectual capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze research on the relationship between maternal diabetes mellitus and child neurodevelopment.
• To evaluate both short-term and long-term impacts on neurodevelopment in offspring of diabetic mothers.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted.
• Twenty specific articles were selected based on PRISMA guidelines.
• Studies employed diverse methodologies and cognitive assessment tools across various age groups.

Main Results:

• A consensus among studies indicates that maternal diabetes can lead to adverse short- and long-term consequences for children.
• Increased rates of childhood obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and metabolic disorders are associated with maternal diabetes.
• Neurodevelopmental impairments, including neurobehavioral disorders and intellectual disability, are frequently reported.

Conclusions:

• Maternal diabetes is consistently linked to neurodevelopmental disorders in children, affecting cognition, language, social skills, and psychomotor development.
• Emerging research suggests a connection between maternal diabetes and increased incidence of autism spectrum disorders, hyperactivity, attention deficits, and schizophrenia.