Neuro-cognitive Performance in Children with Type 1 DiabetesA Meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo conduct meta-analyses of neuropsychological performance in young people with type 1 diabetes.MethodsMeta-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 casecontrol design and standardized neuropsychological tests of seven cognitive domains.ResultsDiabetes 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).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis indicates that children with type 1 diabetes have mild cognitive impairments and subtly reduced overall intellectual functioning.