Maternal diabetes, both pregestational and gestational, has significant implications for fetal development and the long-term health of offspring. One critical aspect of these effects is the alteration of gene expression profiles in maternal tissues and in the placenta, which can impact fetal growth, organ development, and metabolic programming. This article explores how maternal diabetes influences gene expression at the molecular level, focusing on the placenta and maternal blood cells, and discusses the potential long-term consequences for offspring, such as the increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. We review current research on gene expression changes in maternal diabetes and provide insight into how these changes might serve as early biomarkers for fetal health.
