Maternal diabetes, encompassing type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), is associated with an increased risk of epilepsy in children, according to research published February 4, 2026, in Pediatrics.
The retrospective study, conducted in Ontario, Canada, analyzed health records from over 2.1 million births between 2002 and 2018. Researchers sought to determine if different types of maternal diabetes influenced a child’s risk of developing epilepsy before the age of 18. The study followed children for a median of 10.2 years, during which 17,853 cases of epilepsy were diagnosed.
The findings indicate that children born to mothers with any form of diabetes had a higher risk of epilepsy compared to those born to mothers without diabetes. Specifically, the adjusted hazard ratios were 1.40 for children whose mothers had T2DM, 1.32 for those whose mothers had T1DM, and 1.14 for those whose mothers experienced GDM. Which means that, after accounting for other factors, the risk of epilepsy was 40% higher in children of mothers with type 2 diabetes, 32% higher in children of mothers with type 1 diabetes, and 14% higher in children of mothers with gestational diabetes.
Interestingly, the study also revealed a correlation between the duration of T1DM and T2DM and the increased risk of epilepsy in offspring. A longer duration of either type 1 or type 2 diabetes in the mother was associated with a further elevated risk, though the researchers noted that extending the duration of diabetes did not significantly amplify the risk.
“Our study strengthens the hypothesis that prenatal factors may contribute to the onset of epilepsy in children, and that one such factor could be exposure to maternal diabetes during pregnancy,” said Bénédicte Driollet, PhD, of McGill University in Montreal, in a statement to MedPage Today.
The researchers emphasize that the association doesn’t necessarily prove causation. The increased risk may be linked to complications often associated with maternal diabetes, such as Cesarean section, preterm birth, congenital anomalies, preeclampsia, or macrosomia – all of which have also been independently linked to an increased risk of epilepsy in children. The study did not specifically investigate whether these complications acted as intermediaries in the relationship between maternal diabetes and epilepsy.
The study’s findings are consistent with previous research suggesting a link between metabolic and inflammatory exposures during prenatal development and the subsequent development of neurological conditions. The authors propose that these prenatal exposures may play a role in altering brain development, potentially increasing susceptibility to epilepsy.
While the study provides valuable insights, it’s important to note its limitations. As a retrospective observational study, it cannot definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms connecting maternal diabetes and epilepsy risk, and to identify potential interventions to mitigate this risk.
The researchers suggest that children exposed to maternal diabetes during gestation may benefit from closer clinical monitoring for early signs of epilepsy. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with epilepsy, potentially minimizing the impact of seizures on their development and quality of life. However, This proves crucial to remember that an increased risk does not mean a child will definitely develop epilepsy, and routine monitoring should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes among women of childbearing age, these findings underscore the importance of optimal diabetes management during pregnancy. Effective control of blood sugar levels and proactive management of potential pregnancy complications may help reduce the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring.
The study’s authors conclude that further investigation is warranted to explore the complex interplay between maternal metabolic health and neurological development in children. Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing targeted strategies to improve the health and well-being of future generations.
