Maternal Diabetes and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Association: A Narrative Review on Emerging Evidence,...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Maternal diabetes (pre-gestational and gestational) is a growing global health concern.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent childhood neurodevelopmental disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize recent epidemiological and mechanistic evidence on the association between maternal diabetes and offspring ADHD.
• To explore potential biological pathways linking maternal diabetes to fetal neurodevelopment.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of epidemiological and mechanistic studies published primarily since 2023.
• Synthesis of pooled data on ADHD risk associated with maternal diabetes.
• Analysis of proposed biological mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic alterations.

Main Results:

• Maternal diabetes is associated with an approximate 30% increase in offspring ADHD risk.
• Pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) shows a stronger association than gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
• Poor glycemic control and medication use in maternal diabetes correlate with higher offspring ADHD risk.

Conclusions:

• Intrauterine hyperglycemia may impair fetal neurodevelopment through oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic changes.
• Research limitations include variations in diagnostic criteria and study designs; causality is not confirmed.
• Findings support the importance of prenatal glucose management and early interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders.