Neurodevelopmental delay up to the age of 4 years in infants born to women with gestational diabetes mellitus: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the neurodevelopment of infants born to women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the National Birth Cohort in the Japan Environment and Children's Study from 2011 to 2014 (n = 81,705) were used. Japan uses the GDM guidelines of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups. The Japanese translation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, third Edition, was used to assess neurodevelopment in the following domains: communication skills, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem‐solving ability, and personal and social skills. The survey was carried out every 6 months from the age of 6 months to 4 years (total of eight times). Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the association between maternal GDM and neurodevelopmental delay based on odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: Neurodevelopmental delays, particularly in problem‐solving ability, fine motor skills, and personal and social skills, were significantly higher in infants born to women with GDM than in those born to women without GDM (adjusted OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12–1.36; adjusted OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03–1.27; and adjusted OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04–1.33). Furthermore, stratification showed no significant increase in the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of girls. CONCLUSIONS: Neurodevelopment was significantly delayed up to 4 years‐of‐age among boys born to women with GDM.