Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Osmotic Minipump Implantation for Increasing Glucose Concentration in Mouse Cerebrospinal Fluid
06:21

Osmotic Minipump Implantation for Increasing Glucose Concentration in Mouse Cerebrospinal Fluid

Published on: April 7, 2023

Childhood diabetes and cognitive function

Khaled A Al-Dahiyat1

  • 1Pediatric Department, Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan. Tel. +962 65815145.

Neurosciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
|January 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Hypoglycemia in children with diabetes may impact cognitive function, particularly memory in younger children with prolonged, intense exposure. Close monitoring during intensive insulin therapy is crucial to prevent seizures and potential cognitive deficits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neuroscience
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Diabetes in children is not typically linked to reduced intelligence.
  • However, early onset or recurrent severe hypoglycemia can potentially affect cognitive function.
  • The precise impact of hypoglycemia on pediatric cognitive development remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize existing evidence on the relationship between hypoglycemia and cognitive function in children with diabetes.
  • To assess the influence of hypoglycemia, particularly in younger children and those with prolonged exposure, on cognitive outcomes.
  • To evaluate the methodological quality of studies investigating this association.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive search of electronic and published databases was conducted.
  • Studies were critically assessed for their methodological rigor.
  • Evidence was synthesized to identify trends and controversies regarding hypoglycemia's cognitive effects.

Main Results:

  • Some studies suggest minimal cognitive impact from hypoglycemia, potentially attributing observed effects to diabetic microvascular complications.
  • Other research indicates a possible protective role of hypoglycemia against cognitive decline in diabetic children.
  • Evidence leans towards negative effects of hypoglycemia on memory in younger children with extensive and prolonged exposure.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between hypoglycemia and cognitive function in diabetic children is controversial.
  • There is stronger evidence suggesting negative impacts on memory, especially in younger children experiencing cumulative and intense hypoglycemic episodes.
  • Careful monitoring of children on intensive insulin therapy is recommended to prevent severe hypoglycemic events.

More Related Videos

Behavioral Assessment of Visual Function via Optomotor Response and Cognitive Function via Y-Maze in Diabetic Rats07:41

Behavioral Assessment of Visual Function via Optomotor Response and Cognitive Function via Y-Maze in Diabetic Rats

Published on: October 23, 2020

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-1906:46

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19

Published on: July 5, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is based on...
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction01:12

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations01:19

Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations

Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction01:26

Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction

Diabetes mellitus consists of chronic metabolic disorders characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. This elevated blood glucose results from defects in insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or both. Insulin, produced by pancreatic β-cells, is essential for maintaining glucose homeostasis by facilitating cellular glucose uptake for energy or storage. Disruptions in insulin production or function lead to glucose accumulation in the bloodstream, causing the clinical features and long-term...