Gestational diabetes does not have a direct proven link to cerebral palsy, but it can raise risks for birth problems that might indirectly contribute to brain injuries causing the condition.
Gestational diabetes happens when high blood sugar develops during pregnancy. It affects how the body handles sugar and can lead to bigger babies, a condition called macrosomia. These large babies often have wider shoulders and trunks because extra sugar crosses the placenta and turns into fat. Studies note that 15 to 45 percent of babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are larger than normal, depending on blood sugar control.
Big babies face higher chances of shoulder dystocia during birth. This is when the shoulders get stuck after the head comes out. It can stretch nerves in the baby’s arm or neck, known as brachial plexus injuries. While these injuries mainly affect the arms, tough deliveries like this sometimes cut off oxygen to the brain. Low oxygen, or hypoxia, is a main cause of cerebral palsy, which harms muscle control and movement.
Cerebral palsy often stems from brain damage before, during, or right after birth. Common triggers include oxygen shortages from cord issues, placental problems, or preterm birth. Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes may face these risks more often. For example, poor placental function from high sugar levels can limit oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Stillbirth risks also rise late in pregnancy, hinting at hidden distress that could harm the brain if the baby survives.
No study directly says gestational diabetes causes cerebral palsy. Instead, it boosts odds of complications like macrosomia and dystocia, which tie into oxygen loss. Pregnancy issues such as preeclampsia or placental abruption, more common with diabetes, add to brain injury risks. Premature babies, sometimes linked to these problems, have up to 15 percent chance of cerebral palsy if born very early.
Managing blood sugar helps lower these risks. Doctors often suggest early delivery around 39 weeks to avoid late complications. While links exist through chains of events, other factors like genetics or mom’s heart health play roles too.
Sources
https://nybirthinjury.com/gestational-diabetes-birth-complications/
https://academic.oup.com/hropen/article/2025/4/hoaf074/8342467
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://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12731818/
https://www.endocrinologyadvisor.com/news/maternal-obesity-neurodevelopmental-disorders/
