Risk of ASD was higher in children exposed in utero to maternal preexisting T1D, T2D and gestational diabetes diagnosed by 26 weeks compared with no maternal diabetes exposure, revealed by medical researchers in a study being presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 78th Scientific Sessions.
Maternal preexisting type 2 diabetes (T2D) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed by 26 weeks have been associated with increased risk of ASD in children in prior research.
Less is known about ASD risk associated with maternal preexisting type 1 diabetes (T1D).
419,425 children born at 28 to 44 weeks from 1995-2012.
Maternal T1D, T2D and GDM (exposures); diagnosis in children of ASD, which includes autistic disorders, Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (outcomes)
Risk factors of the father, along with other intrauterine and postnatal exposures, couldn’t be assessed.
Results suggest the severity of maternal diabetes and the timing of exposure (early vs late in pregnancy) may be associated with the risk of ASD in children of mothers with diabetes.
This was an observational study.
Authors: Anny H. Xiang, Ph.D., Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California, and coauthors
Source: JAMA, USA.