Gestational diabetes cases have been on the rise during pregnancy, leading to the increased prescription of metformin as a treatment option. However, the effects of this oral antidiabetic medication on brain development in children are not well understood. A recent study conducted by a cross-disciplinary team from the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE) shed light on the impact of metformin on pregnant animals and their offspring, revealing that while metformin benefits pregnant animals, these benefits do not extend to their offspring.
Published in the journal Molecular Metabolism, the study highlighted the importance of managing gestational diabetes risks and the complexity of finding preventive strategies for pregnant women. Gestational diabetes affects around one in six pregnant women worldwide, with 63,000 cases reported in Germany in 2021, a number that continues to increase. High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can have negative consequences for both the mother and the child, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes in women and metabolic disorders and obesity in their children.
The study focused on the long-term effects of metformin, an oral antidiabetic agent that crosses the placenta, on offspring health. While metformin is increasingly used as an alternative to insulin administration for gestational diabetes treatment, there is limited research on its long-term impact on offspring health. Metformin’s influence on the AMPK signaling pathway, crucial in brain development, raised questions about its effects on the development of neuronal circuits in the hypothalamus, a region vital for energy regulation.
Using mouse models to simulate the main causes of gestational diabetes, the researchers explored the effects of metformin treatment on offspring health. The results indicated that the maternal metabolic state plays a crucial role in determining the impact of antidiabetic treatments on offspring. Changes in weight gain, hormonal status, and hypothalamic signaling were observed in response to metformin exposure, emphasizing the importance of considering the mother’s metabolic state before initiating gestational diabetes treatment.
Looking to the future, researchers highlighted the need for developing medications that do not cross the placenta for treating gestational diabetes. Education on gestational diabetes and proactive preventive measures were deemed essential in managing the rising prevalence of the condition. By focusing on lifestyle and diet interventions, there is potential to improve the efficacy of gestational diabetes treatment and mitigate risks for both mothers and children.