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In a groundbreaking 20-year longitudinal study, an international research team led by Professor Ian Wong Chi-kei, Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), has provided valuable evidence shedding light on the potential impact of maternal diabetes on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Published in Nature Medicine, the study challenges longstanding assumptions and offers crucial insights into this complex relationship.
Analyzing real-world data from more than 3.6 million mother-baby pairs across regions including China’s Hong Kong, Taiwan, New Zealand, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, the research team aimed to unravel the association between maternal diabetes during pregnancy and the risk of ADHD in offspring.
Maternal diabetes during pregnancy has been a subject of debate due to inconsistent findings in previous studies. Concerns have lingered regarding its potential impact on neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, given its rising prevalence globally.
ADHD, characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, poses significant challenges for affected individuals, often leading to adverse outcomes later in life.
The study found that while children born to mothers with any type of diabetes had a slightly higher risk of ADHD compared to unexposed children, the risk was only modestly elevated. Intriguingly, when comparing siblings with discordant exposure to gestational diabetes, no significant difference in ADHD risk was observed, suggesting that shared genetic and familial factors likely contribute to the association rather than gestational diabetes per se.
Professor Ian Wong Chi-kei emphasized the significance of this collaborative effort, spanning multiple regions and over two decades, in providing a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. He underscored the importance of considering a woman’s holistic risk profile rather than focusing solely on gestational diabetes when planning pregnancy.
“These findings challenge previous studies that suggested maternal diabetes during pregnancy could heighten the risk of ADHD in children,” said Professor Wong. “Moving forward, future research should delve into the specific roles of genetic factors and proper blood sugar control during different stages of embryonic brain development.”
The study represents a significant step forward in elucidating the complex relationship between maternal diabetes and ADHD risk in children, offering reassurance to expectant parents while highlighting the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.
The research underscores the importance of collaborative, multinational efforts in advancing our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and informing clinical practice to ensure the well-being of future generations.
