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Cognitive Function in Early Onset Type 1 Diabetes in Children

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Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

To assess cognitive function and factors affecting it in Indian children with early-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) (less than 6 y).

Methods

This cross-sectional, single-centre study recruited children diagnosed with T1D before 6 y of age and having a disease duration of at least 2 y, as cases. Controls were age- and sex-matched apparently healthy children or siblings. Children with birth asphyxia, intellectual disability, syndromic children, or pre-existing psychiatric illness were excluded. Enrolled children underwent cognitive assessment using Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC), and scores in various subtests were compared between cases and controls.

Results

A total of 60 children were enrolled in each group. When compared to controls, cases had significantly lower scores on most subtests, verbal, performance and overall Intelligence Quotient (IQ- 100.62 ± 3.26 vs. 103.23 ± 1.22). HbA1c >9%, severe hypoglycemia and lesser duration since the last diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) episode significantly correlated with lower neurocognitive scores.

Conclusions

Children with early onset T1D showed significant deficits in various cognitive domains and IQ. Poor glycemic control, higher glycemic variability and exposure to severe hypoglycemia are risk factors for poor cognitive outcomes in these children. Further longitudinal studies could potentially aid in a finer understanding of factors affecting cognitive functioning in T1D children in developing countries.

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Funding

Thesis grant from PGIMER Chandigarh for purchase of MISIC tool.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India

    K. Swaminathan, Pamali Mahasweta Nanda, Jaivinder Yadav, Prahbhjot Malhi, Rakesh Kumar, Rajni Sharma & Devi Dayal

  2. Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India

    Akhilesh Sharma

Authors
  1. K. Swaminathan
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  2. Pamali Mahasweta Nanda
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  3. Jaivinder Yadav
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  4. Prahbhjot Malhi
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  5. Rakesh Kumar
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  6. Akhilesh Sharma
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  7. Rajni Sharma
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  8. Devi Dayal
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Contributions

KS did the thesis work and prepared the first draft; PM helped in cognitive assessment with MISIC; JY, PMN, DD supervised the work and finalized the draft; AS, RS helped in data analysis; JY, RK finalized the draft. JY will act as guarantor for this manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jaivinder Yadav.

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Swaminathan, K., Nanda, P.M., Yadav, J. et al. Cognitive Function in Early Onset Type 1 Diabetes in Children. Indian J Pediatr (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-023-04901-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-023-04901-5

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