P1017 - GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS IS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

P1017

GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS IS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

M. Brandimonte-Hernández ^1,*, S. M. Blaauwendraad², A. S. Kamphuis², E. Flores-Ventura³, M. C. Collado³, P. Iozzo⁴, R. Gaillard², F. J. Ruiz-Ojeda¹, A. Gil¹

¹Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada , Granada , Spain, ²Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center , Rotterdam, Netherlands, ³Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Reasearch Council (IATA-CSIC), Valencia , Spain, ⁴Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy

Rationale: The incidence of obesity has significantly increased in childhood and adolescence, with associations to maternal metabolic and endocrine status during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most prevalent pregnancy-related complication, and its early detection is crucial, as it significantly reduces the risk of perinatal complications and stillbirth. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the risk of obesity in children and adolescents born to mothers with GDM.

Methods: We extracted data from a systematic review (PROSPERO, CRD42022355152), which included both prospective and retrospective longitudinal cohort studies published between inception and February 20th, 2025. For the meta-analysis, we focused on studies that evaluated and defined GDM and its association with obesity. Random effects models were used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: We screened up to 19,925 articles. Of these, 325 were extracted, and 302 were deemed irrelevant for meta-analysis. 10 prospective observational articles and 2 retrospective observational articles on GDM and obesity were included in the meta-analysis. Our findings revealed that maternal GDM significantly increased the odds of obesity during childhood and adolescence (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.58-2.22, p<0.01).

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Conclusion: GDM is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity in childhood and adolescence. These findings provide valuable insights into how GDM contributes to maternal offspring adiposity, and an increase the risk of future cardiometabolic complications. Moreover, these results are relevant for clinical practice, reinforcing the need for monitoring and follow-up in children and adolescents born to mothers with GDM.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared