In a nutshell
This study used MRI imaging to investigate the effect of T1DM on brain growth and development in young children.
Some background
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) can cause damage to blood vessels, and has also been associated with cognitive difficulties (problems with reasoning or decision making, for example). T1D that is diagnosed early (by ages 4-7) has been associated with changes to cognitive function. It is thought that the variation in blood glucose levels seen in young children may be one cause. It is also possible that these blood glucose variations lead to structural or volume differences in the brains of T1D patients compared to children without T1D.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. MRI scanning can used for brain volume measurements.
Methods & findings
In this study, MRI scans were used to take pictures of the brains of 141 children (aged 4 – 10 years) with T1DM at two time points 18 months apart. HbA1c levels (average blood glucose levels over 3 months) and blood glucose levels at the time of the MRI scans were also measured. The brain pictures of the diabetic children were compared with those from 69 non-diabetic children of the same age.
Children with T1DM had reduced growth of brain tissue compared with non-diabetic children. Large glucose level fluctuations at the time of the scans may be associated with corresponding fluctuations in brain tissue volumes.
The bottom line
The study concluded that T1D had an effect on brain growth in children aged 4-10 years, regardless of blood glucose levels.
The fine print
There were limitations of the study in that the hydration levels of the children were not taken into account. This should have been considered as fluctuations in hydration levels can influence brain volume.
What’s next?
Discuss the risks of glucose level fluctuations with your doctor.
Published By :
Diabetes
Date :
Oct 28, 2015
