Can a mother’s blood sugar shape her baby’s brain? Growing research says yes.

In the latest episode of the Stronger Minds podcast, we explore how this increasingly common condition can influence infant brain development, IQ, and the risk of ADHD and autism.

Listen to the full episode here.

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a temporary condition in which blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy. Affecting 4–9% of pregnancies in the U.S., 1 in 20 pregnancies in the UK, and rising globally, GDM often resolves after childbirth but its effects may last longer than expected.

GDM and Baby Brain Development

A growing body of research links GDM with subtle—but significant—changes in neurodevelopment:

A large study in The Journal of Pediatrics found differences in cognitive development among children born to mothers with GDM.
Study link
A study of over 200,000 mother child pairs concluded that children born to mothers with GDM had a greater likelihood of developing externalising problems and ADHD symptoms.
Study link

Links to ADHD and Autism

A major meta-analysis reviewing over 56 million pregnancies revealed that maternal diabetes significantly increases the likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders:

ADHD risk increased by 30%
Autism risk up by 25%
Intellectual disability by 32%

Why Does This Happen?

Researchers believe several mechanisms may be at play:

Foetal hyperinsulinemia (high insulin levels in the baby) caused by maternal high blood sugar
Oxidative stress and inflammation impacting foetal brain development
Epigenetic changes that may alter brain wiring

What Can Expectant Mothers Do?

The good news? Proactive care can make a big difference. Here are practical, evidence-backed steps:

Attend all prenatal visits to monitor glucose
Eat a nutrient-rich, balanced diet
Exercise moderately with medical guidance
Monitor blood sugar regularly
Learn the signs of GDM and act early
Follow up post-pregnancy, as GDM raises long-term type 2 diabetes risk

Final Thoughts: Brain Health Starts in the Womb

Gestational diabetes may pose hidden risks, but with the right strategies, many of these can be managed. This is a critical opportunity to support brain health from the very beginning.

Want to learn more? Listen to the full episode here.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a parent, a healthcare provider, or anyone interested in better beginnings.