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Cognitive function and mood after profound nocturnal hypoglycaemia in prepubertal children with conventional insulin

K A Matyka1, L Wigg, S Pramming

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|September 22, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) frequently experience asymptomatic nocturnal hypoglycemia. While cognitive function remained unaffected, mood changes were observed following these hypoglycemic events.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Diabetes Management

Background:

  • Nocturnal hypoglycemia is a significant concern in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
  • Understanding the impact of these events on cognitive function and mood is crucial for comprehensive diabetes care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of nocturnal hypoglycemia in children with IDDM.
  • To evaluate the subsequent effects on cognitive performance and mood.

Main Methods:

  • Overnight continuous glucose monitoring was performed in 29 prepubertal children with IDDM and 15 healthy controls.
  • Cognitive function and mood assessments were conducted the following day.

Main Results:

  • Asymptomatic hypoglycemia (glucose < 3.5 mmol/l) occurred in over half of the IDDM patients across two nights.
  • The median duration of hypoglycemia was 270 minutes; it was linked to insulin dose but not HbA1c.
  • No significant changes in cognitive performance were noted, but a decline in mood was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Young children with IDDM on conventional insulin regimens are at high risk for severe, asymptomatic nocturnal hypoglycemia.
  • Predicting these events is challenging, and while short-term cognitive effects are absent, mood alterations are evident.
Abstract

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