The Impact of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on the Physical Development of Offspring During Infancy and Early Childhood

Abstract

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a glucose intolerance disorder that arises or is first diagnosed during pregnancy in women without a prior history of diabetes. With the global rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of GDM continues to increase, posing serious threats to maternal and child health. Evidence shows that intrauterine exposure to maternal hyperglycemia can predispose offspring to obesity, glucose intolerance, and metabolic diseases later in life. This review summarizes the impact of GDM on offspring birth outcomes, growth trajectories during infancy and early childhood, explores the underlying biological mechanisms, and discusses research limitations and future perspectives.