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ABSTRACT 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. KEY POINTS * Type 1 diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic
diseases of childhood and adolescence * In younger patients, attention has recently focused on the impact of diabetes on neurocognitive functioning and academic achievement * A recent
meta-analysis of neurocognitive functioning in adults with type 1 diabetes provided convincing evidence of subtle cerebral impairment * Neurocognitive deficits, including effects on
language, attention, memory, information-processing speed and executive functions, are apparent in children with diabetes, but the pattern of deficit varies across studies and patient
subgroups * There is evidence that severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis have an impact on the immature CNS, and chronic hyperglycemia early in life is another possible risk factor
for neurocognitive impairment * Intensified treatment protocols reduce the incidence and severity of microvascular complications, but should be introduced cautiously in children if they are
associated with hypoglycemia-related CNS impairment * The current practice of tolerating some hyperglycemia to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia in the very young child might require
modification if elevated blood glucose levels are shown to affect the developing brain Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription content, access via
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CLOSED-LOOP INSULIN DELIVERY SYSTEM ON NEURODEVELOPMENTAL AND COGNITIVE OUTCOMES IN ADOLESCENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES Article Open access 30 August 2022 ALTERED GRAY MATTER VOLUME IN CHILDREN
WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS Article 02 August 2022 A LONGITUDINAL RESOURCE FOR STUDYING CONNECTOME DEVELOPMENT AND ITS PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATIONS DURING CHILDHOOD Article
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AND AFFILIATIONS * is an associate professor and convener of the doctoral program in clinical child psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Melbourne, Melbourne,
Australia Elisabeth A Northam * research officer in the Australian Centre for Child Neuropsychological Studies at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, Melbourne,
Australia Debbie Rankins * FJ Cameron is the Head of Diabetes Services at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia Fergus J Cameron Authors * Elisabeth A Northam View author
publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Debbie Rankins View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Fergus J
Cameron View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar CORRESPONDING AUTHOR Correspondence to Elisabeth A Northam. ETHICS DECLARATIONS COMPETING
INTERESTS Fergus Cameron has received honoraria for speaking engagements from Novo Nordisk. RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Northam, E.,
Rankins, D. & Cameron, F. Therapy Insight: the impact of type 1 diabetes on brain development and function. _Nat Rev Neurol_ 2, 78–86 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpneuro0097
Download citation * Received: 25 July 2005 * Accepted: 18 November 2005 * Issue Date: February 2006 * DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpneuro0097 SHARE THIS ARTICLE Anyone you share the
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