Therapy insight: the impact of type 1 diabetes on brain development and function.
The CNS is one of the main organ systems that is affected in type 1 diabetes, as both cerebral glucose and insulin levels are frequently abnormal, even when the diabetes is well-controlled. Literature is emerging that documents pathophysiological CNS changes and neurocognitive deficits in both adults and children with type 1 diabetes, but empirical findings to date have often been inconsistent and difficult to interpret. This article provides a comprehensive review of current knowledge about the impact of type 1 diabetes on brain development and function, focusing particularly on the evidence for specific illness-related risk factors for CNS sequelae. We argue that clinical management of young patients with type 1 diabetes should take into account current knowledge of the relative risks of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia to the developing brain.
Northam
Elisabeth A
EA
Department of Psychology at the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. lis.northam@rch.org.au
Rankins
Debbie
D
Cameron
Fergus J
FJ
D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000150:complications; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors