Neuro-cognitive Performance in Children with Type 1 Diabetes—A Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective To conduct meta-analyses of neuropsychological performance in young people with type 1 diabetes. Methods Meta-analysis of 24 studies. Studies published between 1980 and 2005 were identified. The inclusion criteria were: young people who were ≤19 years of age with type 1 diabetes, a case–control design and standardized neuropsychological tests of seven cognitive domains. Results Diabetes was statistically associated with poorer performance on visuospatial ability (d = −0.29), motor speed (d = −0.26) and writing (d = −0.28), on sustained attention (d = −0.21) and reading (d = −0.23). Smaller effects were identified on full IQ (d = −0.14), on performance (d = −0.18) and verbal IQ (d = −0.15). Severe hypoglycemia was linked to deficits in short-term verbal memory (d = −0.14; Confidence Interval: −0.318, 0.024; p =.04). Conclusions This meta-analysis indicates that children with type 1 diabetes have mild cognitive impairments and subtly reduced overall intellectual functioning.