In a nutshell
This study examined whether there is an association between diabetes mellitus and the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
Some background
Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not make or is not sensitive to the hormone insulin, which breaks down the glucose (sugar) taken in from food. For patients with type 1 diabetes the body is not capable of producing insulin. Type 2 diabetes is due to insulin insensitivity and can be caused by obesity, a rising problem among children. Both types of diabetes have been associated with cognitive issues, including academic problems and decreased memory and hand-eye coordination. It has been suggested that prolonged hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels), combined with episodes of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood glucose) can interfere with brain development.
ADHD is a behavioral disorder that can lead to problems with concentration and focus. Various causes of ADHD have been explored, including genetic factors, fetal alcohol exposure, and viral infections. It is not known whether diabetes is associated with the development of ADHD.
Methods & findings
This study examined the records of 4,302 children newly diagnosed with ADHD, and 21,510 children without ADHD. Of the total 25,812 children included, 116 (0.5%) had previously been diagnosed with diabetes.
Diabetes was more prevalent in children with ADHD (0.9%) than in children without (0.4%). The odds of having ADHD were 2.75 times higher in children previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, there was no association between type 1 diabetes and ADHD.
The bottom line
This study concluded that type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of ADHD in children.
Published By :
Pediatric research
Date :
Apr 01, 2013
