Childhood diabetes and cognitive function

Abstract

Although diabetes might not be typically associated with reduced intelligence in children, mild cognitive function impairment may occur if onset is before 5 years of age, or the child has recurrent hypoglycemic seizures for longer periods. Therefore, children receiving intensive insulin therapy should be closely monitored to prevent hypoglycemic seizures. Some studies have showed that the hypoglycemic effect is minimal on cognition, and may be due to hyperglycemic microvascular disease associated with diabetes. Others suggested a protective effect for hypoglycemia on developing cognitive function decrement in diabetic children. Both electronic as well as published databases were searched, and studies assessed regarding their methodology. The conclusion showed that this issue is still controversial with better evidence toward negative effects of hypoglycemia on younger age group memories, especially those exposed to cumulative hypoglycemic attacks for a longer time and intensity.