Is diabetes in pregnancy tied to cerebral palsy? Research shows an indirect link through complications like low blood sugar, preterm birth, and other birth issues that can harm the baby’s brain. Diabetes during pregnancy, known as gestational diabetes or maternal diabetes, raises certain risks for newborns.
Gestational diabetes happens when high blood sugar develops during pregnancy. It can make babies grow larger than normal, called macrosomia. This increases chances of problems during delivery, such as shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder gets stuck. While this mainly affects the arm nerves, it ties into broader birth stresses that might impact the brain.[1]
Babies born to mothers with diabetes face higher odds of low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia, right after birth. This condition needs close watching because untreated low blood sugar can lead to brain damage and cerebral palsy. Premature babies or those from diabetic pregnancies require extra checks to catch and treat it early.[2]
Studies list maternal diabetes as one of the common risk factors seen in pregnancies leading to cerebral palsy. In one review, it appeared in about 6.3 percent of cases, alongside issues like bleeding or infection. These factors often combine with birth problems, such as lack of oxygen or jaundice, to raise the risk.[3]
Preterm birth is another key connection. Women with gestational diabetes often deliver early, either naturally or by medical choice. Early babies have higher chances of brain injuries that cause cerebral palsy. Research notes that up to 15 percent of very premature infants, born between 24 and 27 weeks, may develop it.[1][4]
Jaundice is a related worry. Newborns from diabetic mothers can build up bilirubin, leading to kernicterus if not treated. This form of brain damage directly causes cerebral palsy and hearing loss. Careful monitoring after birth helps prevent it.[2][4]
Diabetes does not directly cause cerebral palsy in every case. Most often, it contributes through chains of events like poor oxygen during birth or placental issues. Other factors, such as infections or genetics, play roles too. Doctors manage risks with blood sugar control, frequent checks, and timely delivery.[5]
Maternal health matters. High body weight before pregnancy links to neurodevelopmental issues, including those overlapping with cerebral palsy risks. Keeping diabetes in check during pregnancy lowers these chances.[6][7]
Sources
https://nybirthinjury.com/gestational-diabetes-birth-complications/
https://www.rwkgoodman.com/injury/birth-injury-claims/cerebral-palsy-claims/cerebral-palsy-guide-causes-symptoms-legal/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12748543/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://cerebralpalsyguidance.com/2025/12/12/researchers-use-mri-to-diagnose-find-causes-of-cerebral-palsy-in-children/
https://www.news-medical.net/condition/Cerebral-Palsy
https://www.endocrinologyadvisor.com/news/maternal-obesity-neurodevelopmental-disorders/
