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Neuropsychological profiles of young people with type 1 diabetes 12 yr after disease onset.

Authors :
Lin A
Northam EA
Rankins D
Werther GA
Cameron FJ
Source :
Pediatric diabetes [Pediatr Diabetes] 2010 Jun; Vol. 11 (4), pp. 235-43. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Jan 07.
Publication Year :
2010

Abstract

Background: Lowered neuropsychological performance is evident in youth with type 1 diabetes, although evidence for associations with specific illness variables is inconsistent. This study examined the neuropsychological profiles of a cohort of youth with type 1 diabetes studied prospectively from diagnosis 12 yr previously.<br />Methods: A total of 106 youth with type 1 diabetes and 75 healthy controls participated. There were no significant group differences on Full-scale IQ assessed on study entry 12 yr previously, current socioeconomic status, gender distribution, or age. Neuropsychological tests assessed eight cognitive domains: verbal abilities, perceptual reasoning, new learning, working memory, non-verbal processing speed, mental efficiency, divided attention, and sustained attention. Episodes of serious hypoglycemia and HbA(1c) levels were recorded from diagnosis.<br />Results: Youth with type 1 diabetes performed more poorly than controls on working memory (p < .05). Early onset diabetes was related to poorer sustained (p < .001) and divided attention (p = .001), new learning, and mental efficiency (both p < .05). Hypoglycemia was found to adversely effect verbal abilities, working memory, and non-verbal processing speed (all p < .05). Poorer working memory was associated with hyperglycemia (p < .05). Youth with any combination of two or three illness risk factors (i.e., early onset diabetes, hypo-, hyperglycemia), performed more poorly than controls and youth with no or one risk on verbal abilities, working memory, and mental efficiency.<br />Conclusions: This study documents poorer neuropsychological performance and its association with illness risk factors in youth with type 1 diabetes. Findings suggest that early disease onset and hypoglycemia impact on the developing central nervous system, with hyperglycemia playing a lesser role.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1399-5448
Volume :
11
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Pediatric diabetes
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
20070555
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-5448.2009.00588.x