Diabetes during pregnancy linked to higher rates of ADHD, autism in children, study says

Having diabetes during pregnancy is linked to higher rates of ADHD, autism and other neurocognitive issues in children, according to new research. 

The meta-analysis, published earlier this week in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, analyzed over 56 million pregnancies across more than 200 studies. Researchers found children born to women who had diabetes during pregnancy were 28% more likely to have a neuro-developmental issue than those whose mothers didn't have the disease.

The risk was heightened by both gestational diabetes, which can develop during pregnancy, and pre-existing Type 2 diabetes, according to the study.