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Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) presents a substantial population health concern. Previous studies have revealed that GDM can ultimately influence nephron endowment. In this study, we established a GDM mouse model to investigate the embryological alterations and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) affected by GDM. Our study highlights that GDM could contribute to the manifestation of CAKUT, with prevalent phenotypes characterized by isolated hydronephrosis and duplex kidney complicated with hydronephrosis in mice. Ectopic ureteric buds (UBs) and extended length of common nephric ducts (CNDs) were noted in the metanephric development stage. The expression of Ret and downstream p -ERK activity were enhanced in UBs, which indicated the alteration of RET/MAPK/ERK pathway may be one of the mechanisms contributing to the increased occurrence of CAKUT associated with GDM. • GDM could contribute to the manifestation of CAKUT in mice. • Ectopic UBs and extended length of CNDs were noted in the metanephric development stage under GDM. • GDM could alter the RET/MAPK/ERK pathway involved in metanephric development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]