A Pennsylvania State University study has shown that high blood sugar levels during pregnancy may increase children’s future risk of obesity and diabetes, even without a gestational diabetes diagnosis. Released on May 6, 2026, the research analyzed nearly 10,900 births and found women with elevated blood sugar were 41 percent more likely to deliver larger babies, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The study, led by Penn State researchers and published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, specifically looked at women who had high blood sugar on the glucose challenge test but did not qualify for a gestational diabetes diagnosis after further testing. University figures show these mothers were still at elevated risk of delivering babies with higher birth weights. The researchers said babies who are large for their gestational age are at higher risk for diabetes and obesity later in life so these differences represent a meaningful risk. The team called for greater attention to blood sugar management even in non-diabetic pregnancies.
This research adds to evidence accumulated from the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome study. According to the National Institutes of Health, even modestly elevated blood glucose levels during pregnancy increased the risks of complications for the baby both before and after birth. NIH data places the increased odds of childhood obesity at around 54 percent for those exposed to higher maternal glucose levels. Follow-up examinations revealed sustained impacts on body composition and metabolic health.
U.S. government statistics indicate that gestational diabetes cases rose from 60 per 1,000 live births in 2016 to 81 per 1,000 in 2022. The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics reported this increase across various demographic groups. The trend has led to expanded screening protocols in healthcare systems nationwide.
In its summary of the Penn State work, Qatar News Agency noted that the researchers emphasized the importance of regular medical checkups and a healthy diet. The study authors highlighted how high blood sugar can affect the child’s long-term health. Early detection during pregnancy was described as having a potential role in reducing risks of complications for the next generation.
A separate 2023 meta-analysis found children born to mothers with gestational diabetes had a 42 percent increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. The pooled data came from several international cohorts and pointed to the need for continued research into these associations. Similar patterns appeared in assessments of metabolic syndrome risks among exposed offspring.
