What developmental issue could arise in infants born to mothers with unmanaged diabetes?

Infants born to mothers with unmanaged diabetes are at higher risk for neurodevelopmental delays due to the potential impact of hyperglycemia on fetal brain development. Uncontrolled maternal blood sugar levels can lead to a higher incidence of abnormal brain structure and function, affecting cognitive outcomes as the child grows. The excessive glucose can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, which may disrupt the normal developmental processes, leading to long-term challenges in learning, behavior, and overall cognitive development.

While low muscle tone, severe heart defects, and sleep apnea can also be associated with various maternal health issues, the link between unmanaged diabetes and specifically neurodevelopmental problems has a more direct and recognized correlation. Conditions like congenital heart defects, although more frequently observed in infants of diabetic mothers, are not as directly tied to developmental delays as neurodevelopmental issues, which encompass a wider range of cognitive and learning difficulties.