An Association between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants: A Retrospective Single Hospital-Based Cohort Study

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, is increasingly prevalent globally. While resolving after delivery, GDM can have lasting implications for the developing fetus, particularly regarding neurodevelopmental outcomes. This association is garnering significant attention within the medical community, driving research into the underlying mechanisms and potential interventions. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants. Methods This Retrospective Single Based cohort study utilized data from 2018 to 2022 at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. A total of 1430 for gestational diabetic mothers and 1430 infants aged 0 to 12months were recruited in the study. Inclusion criteria: Mothers with confirmed diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, no pre-gestational diabetes mellitus. Infants aged 0 to 12months, born from gestational diabetic mothers. Results A total of 1430 infants, male 832(58.18%); Female 598(41.82%). Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus was 75.61%. The overall Denver II Developmental Screening Test Results were; Normal 1370(95.80%), Abnormal 8(0.56%), Suspicious 44(3.10%) and Unable to Judge 8(0.56%). The probability of finding abnormal findings on DDST was higher on primiparity, p < 0.001; on normal head circumference, p = 0.002; on earliest infants’ age less than six months, p = 0.043; and on normal anterior fontanelle, p < 0.001. Mental response; infants with [(normal head circumference and microcephaly showed poor mental responses compared to macrocephaly infants p < 0.001); infants with low weight level, birth weights between 1-1.5k, 1.5-2.5kg and 2.5-4kg and normal anterior fontanelle showed abnormal mental responses; all p  0.05. Conclusion The findings from this study underscore the significant impact of gestational diabetes mellitus on neurodevelopmental outcomes in exposed infants to GDM. Infants born to mothers with GDM showed varied neurodevelopmental and mental response impairments, with certain levels being more susceptible.