In a recent study from the UC Davis MIND Institute, researchers demonstrated that pregnant mothers who are obese are 67% more likely to have a child with autism, compared to moms with a healthy weight and no diabetes or high blood pressure. It is well established that obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes and high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) and can increase insulin resistance in the body. The authors of this study suggest that in pregnant women with diabetes, unregulated sugar in the body can result in prolonged fetal exposure to high glucose levels. Doctors say that this prolonged exposure can affect brain development in unborn children. The findings of this study will help in the search for non-genetic triggers of autism and encourage pregnant moms to take extra caution regarding diet and exercise during their pregnancy. Check this article out at CNN Health:
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