In a nutshell
This study examined the risk of developing epilepsy in children with type 1 diabetes. The researchers concluded that type 1 diabetes was associated with an increased risk of epilepsy.
Some background
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas. The pancreas produces insulin, the hormone needed to break down the glucose (sugar) taken in from food. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed during childhood.
Epilepsy is a condition of the brain that causes seizures. Previous research had noted that seizures were found in many autoimmune disorders. It is not clear whether type 1 diabetes increases the risk of developing epilepsy in children.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to investigate the link between type 1 diabetes and developing epilepsy.
Data from 2568 patients with type 1 diabetes was collected from a Taiwanese health insurance database. These patients were all under 18 years of age. They were compared with a group of 25680 people without diabetes. Both groups were followed for a period of 12 years. The occurrence of epilepsy was measured.
When factors such as age, sex, history of epilepsy, and intellectual disability were taken into account, patients with diabetes had a 2.84 times greater risk of developing epilepsy.
Children who developed diabetes under the age of 6 had a 6.06-fold increased risk of epilepsy compared to children without diabetes. Children who experienced hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood glucose) had a 16.5-fold increased risk of epilepsy.
In the group with diabetes, more patients had intellectual disabilities. Children with intellectual disabilities had a greater risk of developing epilepsy.
The bottom line
This study concluded that the risk of developing epilepsy was increased in children with type 1 diabetes.
The fine print
The database that the researchers used provided no information on lifestyle habits, BMI, physical activity, socioeconomic status, or family history. All of these factors had the potential to influence the results. The researchers were also unable to obtain information on drug use or epilepsy subtype.
What’s next?
Discuss the risk of developing epilepsy with your physician if you or your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes
Published By :
Diabetologia
Date :
Apr 01, 2016
