Effects of gestational diabetes mellitus on offspring: A literature review

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a health problem that is becoming increasingly serious worldwide. It has a high incidence and strongly affects both mothers and children. In recent years, more extensive and in-depth studies have been conducted. In the present study, we systematically reviewed the effects of GDM on offspring, including the short- and long-term outcomes. Related articles were indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and the Cochran Library up to June 2024. Recommendations were extracted from the identified articles and collated as themes. Many studies, which are mostly observational, have shown that GDM increases the risk of macrosomia, premature delivery or metabolic diseases, and so on, seriously affecting the outcome of pregnancy, growth and development of the child, and even the duration of the child's life. Cohort studies are the main force providing research data. The short-term effects are mainly childbirth complications. Maternal-offspring complications include a high risk of cesarean section, shoulder dystocia, and birth injury, which are often due to a large fetus. The long-term effects, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and nervous system disease are serious. Specifically, obesity, adiposity, glucose metabolism, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, neurodevelopmental and mental disease, lung and allergic disease and even risk of chromosomol abnormalities (CAs), and so on, are included. Therefore, it is important to note the negative effects of GDM on offspring. Managing pregnant women with GDM well is a top priority, especially lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise) and glucose-lowering measures in necessity.