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Neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born to diabetic mothers in the Qatari population: a retrospective study

Razan M Masri1, Mohammad A A Bayoumi2, Rasha I Amin3

  • 1Department of Developmental Pediatrics, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.

BMJ Paediatrics Open
|May 22, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Maternal diabetes, including gestational diabetes mellitus, did not show a significant link to autism or speech delays in children after adjusting for other factors. Further region-specific research is recommended for child neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal health
  • Neurodevelopmental pediatrics
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Maternal diabetes is a known risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes.
  • The association between maternal diabetes and neurodevelopmental delays in offspring requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between maternal diabetes (gestational and pre-pregnancy) and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children of Qatari mothers.
  • To assess risks for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), speech delay, and motor delays.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, population-based cohort study of children born in 2017 to Qatari mothers.
  • Included mothers with gestational diabetes, pre-pregnancy diabetes, and no diabetes.
  • Neurodevelopmental outcomes assessed at age 4 years using electronic medical records.

Main Results:

  • Of 5141 children, 1222 (23.8%) were born to mothers with GDM and 140 (2.7%) to mothers with pre-pregnancy diabetes.
  • Crude analysis showed higher odds of autism and speech delay in children of mothers with GDM.
  • Adjusted analyses revealed no statistically significant associations between maternal diabetes and autism, speech delay, or motor delays.

Conclusions:

  • While crude analyses suggested potential links, adjusted findings indicate no significant association between maternal diabetes and the studied neurodevelopmental delays.
  • Effective diabetes management during pregnancy is crucial.
  • Longitudinal, region-specific research is needed to understand child neurodevelopmental trajectories.
Abstract

Keywords:
AutismChild HealthIntensive Care Units, NeonatalNeonatologyStatistics

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