Reduced Cortical Excitability, Neuroplasticity, and Salivary Cortisol in 11-13-Year-Old Children Born to Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

These results suggest that GDM can contribute to subtle differences in child neurophysiology, and possibly cortisol secretion, persisting into early adolescence. Importantly, these effects appear to occur during second trimester, before pharmacologic treatment typically commences, and can be predicted by maternal insulin resistance. Therefore, earlier detection and treatment of GDM may be warranted. Metformin appears to be safe for these aspects of neurodevelopment.