Sweet but sour: Impaired attention functioning in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Neuropsychology
• Childhood Diabetes Management

Background:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children can lead to neurocognitive deficits, notably affecting attention.
• Early age of diagnosis and prolonged disease duration are identified as key risk factors for cognitive decline in pediatric T1DM.
• Understanding these neurocognitive sequelae is crucial for timely intervention during critical developmental periods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate attention functioning in children with T1DM using a continuous performance test.
• To identify correlations between T1DM characteristics (age at diagnosis, duration, glycemic control) and attention deficits.
• To underscore the necessity of neurocognitive screening in pediatric T1DM management.

Main Methods:

• Forty-three children diagnosed with T1DM were assessed.
• The MOXO continuous performance test (MOXO-CPT) was employed to measure attention.
• Data analysis focused on identifying impacts of age at diagnosis, disease duration, and HbA1c levels on attention domains.

Main Results:

• A significant decline in all four domains of attention functioning was observed in the study cohort.
• Attention deficits were most pronounced in children diagnosed at an earlier age, with longer disease duration, and poorer glycemic control (higher HbA1c).
• In children with T1DM for over 5 years, acute hyperglycemia correlated with inattention.

Conclusions:

• Children with T1DM exhibit widespread attention impairments.
• Early T1DM diagnosis, extended disease duration, and suboptimal glycemic control exacerbate attention deficits.
• Routine neurocognitive screening is recommended for early intervention in children with T1DM.