Saturday, October 5, 2019

The Brain Growth of Kids May be Affected by Diabetes


Type 1 diabetes is a very challenging disease to handle. Lack of careful control of this disorder can be devastating for kids. WebMD reported on Dec. 26, 2014 diabetes may affect the brain growth of kids. However, the researchers say this finding has not been associated with negative effects on thinking and memory skills.

Type-1 Diabetes Might Affect Kids Brain Development


A new study has suggested that high blood sugar may slow brain growth in young kids suffering type 1 diabetes. This study included kids between the ages of 4 to 9 years old who were given brain scans and tests aimed at assessing their mental abilities. The blood sugar levels of these kids were continuously monitored.

Drugs.com has also reported on this study. In comparison to kids without diabetes the brains of those children with the disease had decreased growth of overall and regional gray and white matter in their brains. There was an association observed between these differences and higher and more variable blood sugar levels. However, the researchers didn't observe any significant differences in the kid's thinking andmemory skills, or cognition.

Dr. Nelly Mauras, the lead study author, says these results show the potential vulnerability of developing brains in young people to abnormally elevated glucose, or blood sugar, levels. This was seen even when the duration of diabetes was relatively brief. Dr. Mauras said in spite of the best efforts of parents and diabetes care teams approximately 50 percent of all blood glucose concentrations during the course of the study were measured in the high range. Surprisingly the cognitive tests of the kids remained normal. Further study is needed to determine if these observed changes will ultimately impact brain function.

Diabetes May Slow Brain Growth in Kids

Dr. Karen Winer, a co-author of this study, says parents are always worried about whether chronic illness will affect the brains of their kids. It is hoped as better technology develops it will be possible to determine if the differences observed with brain imaging studies can be improved with better glucose control. Meanwhile, aggressive attempts at good glucose control nevertheless remain of paramount importance in the treatment of diabetes.


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