In a nutshell
This study investigated if patients with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of developing epilepsy.
The authors concluded that patients with type 1 diabetess are three-times more likely to be diagnosed with epilepsy than the general population.
Some background
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a metabolic disease that over time can cause comlications including kidney and heart disease. Recently, attention has been drawn to neurological conditions in diabetes. Some studies suggest that prevalence of T1D is increased in patients first diagnosed with epilepsy. Similarly, epilepsy may occur in patients first diagnosed with T1D.
Methods & findings
The records of 4,922 patients with T1D and 19,688 healthy patients were included in this study. The patients included did not have a diagnosis of epilepsy at the start of the trial. The average follow-up period was 5.4 years.
Within the follow-up period, patients with diabetes were 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with epilepsy than patients without diabetes. For patients diagnosed with T1D at aged 18 or less, the risk of developing epilepsy was even greater (3.4 times).
The bottom line
This study concluded that patients with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of developing epilepsy.
The fine print
The mechanism underpinning the link between type 1 diabetes and epilepsy is unknown. This study was conducted in the United Kingdom.
What’s next?
If you have type 1 diabetes and have any concerns you should discuss this with your doctor.
Published By :
Diabetologia
Date :
Oct 31, 2016
