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March 21, 2024
As cases of gestational diabetes and metabolic disorders among pregnant women continue to rise, the use of metformin, an oral antidiabetic agent, has become increasingly common. However, a recent study conducted by an interdisciplinary research team from the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE) raises concerns about the long-term effects of metformin on offspring brain development.
Published in the specialist journal Molecular Metabolism, the study sheds light on the impacts of metformin treatment during pregnancy, highlighting potential risks for the health of the child.
Gestational diabetes affects approximately one in six pregnant women globally, with numbers on the rise. In Germany alone, 63,000 women were affected by the condition in 2021, a trend that is concerning due to associated negative consequences for both mother and child. Elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in affected women later in life, while their children may face a higher risk of metabolic disorders and obesity.
While metformin has emerged as an alternative treatment for gestational diabetes, its effects on offspring brain development have been largely unknown. The research team, led by Dr. Rachel Lippert, aimed to address this gap by investigating whether metformin treatment benefits both the mother and the child, and whether it leads to long-term physiological changes in offspring, particularly in the development of neuronal circuits in the hypothalamus.
Using mouse models representing key causes of gestational diabetes, including maternal obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy, the researchers administered metformin treatment during the lactation period. This period corresponds to the third trimester of human pregnancy in terms of brain development.
The study revealed alterations in offspring weight gain and hormonal status, which were influenced by the mother’s metabolic state. Additionally, sex-specific changes in hypothalamic AMPK signaling were observed in response to metformin exposure. These findings underscore the importance of considering maternal metabolic status before initiating gestational diabetes treatment.
Dr. Lippert emphasizes the need for future treatments that do not cross the placenta, ensuring the safety of both mother and child. “Education about gestational diabetes and preventive measures are of vital importance,” she states, highlighting the importance of proactive management of lifestyle and diet to mitigate the risks associated with gestational diabetes.
As researchers continue to explore the complexities of gestational diabetes and its treatments, the study’s findings underscore the necessity of tailored approaches to ensure optimal outcomes for both mothers and their children.
