COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN CHILDREN WITH TYPE I DIABETES

Abstract

The aim: To assess the patterns and severity of cognitive impairment in children with type 1 diabetes as well as its association with disease onset and poor glycemic control. Materials and methods: We assessed higher mental function and screened for psychosocial functioning in 60 children with type 1 DM and 60 age-matched control using the Modified Mini-Mental State examination and Pediatric Symptoms Checklist and its relation with age, gender, socioeconomic status, age at the onset of disease, duration of disease, HbA1c level, frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycemic attacks and type of treatment. Results: Diabetic patients demonstrated a lower Modified Mini-Mental State examination score than controls (25.12±4.58 versus 30.08±2.95) with a highly significant difference. Furthermore, the mean Pediatric symptoms checklist score in patients was 39.08±8.18 which was much lower than that of controls 54.42±6.0 with a highly significant difference. Conclusions: There is neurocognitive impairment in diabetic children compared to non-diabetics, and poor glycemic control whether hyper or hypoglycemia could affect their cognition and mental health.