The Hidden Impact of Gestational Diabetes: Unveiling Offspring Complications and Long-Term Effects
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), characterized by gestational hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin response, poses significant risks to both maternal and offspring health. Fetal exposure to maternal hyperglycemia leads to short-term complications such as macrosomia and neonatal...
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| author | Elsa Al Bekai Carla El Beaini Karim Kalout Ouhaila Safieddine Sandra Semaan François Sahyoun Hilda E. Ghadieh Sami Azar Amjad Kanaan Frederic Harb |
| author_facet | Elsa Al Bekai Carla El Beaini Karim Kalout Ouhaila Safieddine Sandra Semaan François Sahyoun Hilda E. Ghadieh Sami Azar Amjad Kanaan Frederic Harb |
| author_sort | Elsa Al Bekai |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), characterized by gestational hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin response, poses significant risks to both maternal and offspring health. Fetal exposure to maternal hyperglycemia leads to short-term complications such as macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia and long-term risks including obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular dysfunction, and type 2 diabetes. The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) theory explains how maternal hyperglycemia alters fetal programming, increasing susceptibility to metabolic disorders later in life. Objective: This review explores the intergenerational impact of GDM, linking maternal hyperglycemia to lifelong metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodevelopmental risks via epigenetic and microbiome alterations. It integrates the most recent findings, contrasts diagnostic methods, and offers clinical strategies for early intervention and prevention. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect to identify relevant studies published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2024. The search included studies focusing on the metabolic and developmental consequences of GDM exposure in offspring, as well as potential mechanisms such as epigenetic alterations and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Studies examining preventive strategies and management approaches were also included. Key Findings: Maternal hyperglycemia leads to long-term metabolic changes in offspring, with epigenetic modifications and gut microbiota alterations playing key roles. GDM-exposed children face increased risks of obesity, glucose intolerance, and cardiovascular diseases. Early screening and monitoring are crucial for risk reduction. Practical Implications: Understanding the intergenerational effects of GDM has important clinical implications for prenatal and postnatal care. Early detection, lifestyle interventions, and targeted postnatal surveillance are essential for reducing long-term health risks in offspring. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive maternal healthcare strategies to improve long-term outcomes for both mothers and their children. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-69f8408b04b54e8d906da4b0db1da02b |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2075-1729 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Life |
| spelling | doaj-art-69f8408b04b54e8d906da4b0db1da02b2025-08-20T02:42:21ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292025-03-0115344010.3390/life15030440The Hidden Impact of Gestational Diabetes: Unveiling Offspring Complications and Long-Term EffectsElsa Al Bekai0Carla El Beaini1Karim Kalout2Ouhaila Safieddine3Sandra Semaan4François Sahyoun5Hilda E. Ghadieh6Sami Azar7Amjad Kanaan8Frederic Harb9Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, LebanonFaculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, LebanonFaculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, LebanonFaculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, LebanonFaculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, LebanonFaculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, LebanonFaculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, LebanonFaculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, LebanonFaculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, LebanonFaculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, LebanonBackground: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), characterized by gestational hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin response, poses significant risks to both maternal and offspring health. Fetal exposure to maternal hyperglycemia leads to short-term complications such as macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia and long-term risks including obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular dysfunction, and type 2 diabetes. The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) theory explains how maternal hyperglycemia alters fetal programming, increasing susceptibility to metabolic disorders later in life. Objective: This review explores the intergenerational impact of GDM, linking maternal hyperglycemia to lifelong metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodevelopmental risks via epigenetic and microbiome alterations. It integrates the most recent findings, contrasts diagnostic methods, and offers clinical strategies for early intervention and prevention. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect to identify relevant studies published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2024. The search included studies focusing on the metabolic and developmental consequences of GDM exposure in offspring, as well as potential mechanisms such as epigenetic alterations and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Studies examining preventive strategies and management approaches were also included. Key Findings: Maternal hyperglycemia leads to long-term metabolic changes in offspring, with epigenetic modifications and gut microbiota alterations playing key roles. GDM-exposed children face increased risks of obesity, glucose intolerance, and cardiovascular diseases. Early screening and monitoring are crucial for risk reduction. Practical Implications: Understanding the intergenerational effects of GDM has important clinical implications for prenatal and postnatal care. Early detection, lifestyle interventions, and targeted postnatal surveillance are essential for reducing long-term health risks in offspring. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive maternal healthcare strategies to improve long-term outcomes for both mothers and their children.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/3/440gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)maternal hyperglycemiafetal hyperinsulinemianeonatal hypoglycemiametabolic syndromeneurodevelopmental disorders |
| spellingShingle | Elsa Al Bekai Carla El Beaini Karim Kalout Ouhaila Safieddine Sandra Semaan François Sahyoun Hilda E. Ghadieh Sami Azar Amjad Kanaan Frederic Harb The Hidden Impact of Gestational Diabetes: Unveiling Offspring Complications and Long-Term Effects Life gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) maternal hyperglycemia fetal hyperinsulinemia neonatal hypoglycemia metabolic syndrome neurodevelopmental disorders |
| title | The Hidden Impact of Gestational Diabetes: Unveiling Offspring Complications and Long-Term Effects |
| title_full | The Hidden Impact of Gestational Diabetes: Unveiling Offspring Complications and Long-Term Effects |
| title_fullStr | The Hidden Impact of Gestational Diabetes: Unveiling Offspring Complications and Long-Term Effects |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Hidden Impact of Gestational Diabetes: Unveiling Offspring Complications and Long-Term Effects |
| title_short | The Hidden Impact of Gestational Diabetes: Unveiling Offspring Complications and Long-Term Effects |
| title_sort | hidden impact of gestational diabetes unveiling offspring complications and long term effects |
| topic | gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) maternal hyperglycemia fetal hyperinsulinemia neonatal hypoglycemia metabolic syndrome neurodevelopmental disorders |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/3/440 |
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