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A new study uncovered that even one severe episode of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is linked to cognitive problems; and among children with a previous diagnosis, repeated DKA exposure predicted lower cognitive performance after accounting for glycemic control. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious but common complication of type 1 diabetes, is linked to lower IQ scores and worse memory in children with type 1 diabetes, according to a study led by UC Davis Health researchers. The study published in Diabetes Care recently is also the first large-scale work to differentiate between DKA's impact on children with a new diagnosis and children with a previous diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
DKA happens when diabetes goes undiagnosed or is poorly managed. With DKA, blood sugar gets very high as acidic substances called ketones build up to dangerous levels in the body. Early signs of DKA include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and nausea, abdominal pain, weakness and confusion. Researchers assessed the neurocognitive effects of DKA in children with known type 1diabetes as well as in those who were just diagnosed with it. This study uncovered that even one severe episode of DKA in children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is linked to cognitive problems; and among children with a previous diagnosis, repeated DKA exposure predicted lower cognitive performance after accounting for glycemic control.
The study included 376 children with type 1 diabetes and no DKA history and 758 children with type 1 diabetes and a history of DKA. These children, ages 6-18 years, were participating in a DKA clinical trial at the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) sites.
The study found that among children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, those who experienced moderate and severe DKA had lower long-term memory compared to children with diabetes and no exposure to DKA. Greater severity of DKA was also associated with lower IQ in these children. Children with a previous diagnosis showed lower performance compared with children with new onset in measures of memory and IQ, suggesting that cognitive deficits may worsen over time.
The study's large sample allowed the researchers to capture complex associations of DKA severity, socioeconomic status and glycemic control among previously diagnosed patients. These associations revealed that patients with repeated DKA exposure and poorly controlled type 1 diabetes are at substantial risk of cognitive deficits. The results from the study emphasize the importance of prevention of DKA in children with known type 1 diabetes and of timely diagnosis during new onset before the development of DKA. There is an opportunity to prevent DKA with proper management of the glucose level in the blood.
This is a serious complication that occurs when your body produces very high levels of blood acids called ketones. It happens usually when your body is not able to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control. Insulin is an important hormone that helps glucose reach your muscles and cells. Without it, your body breaks down fat as to use as fuel. This causes a buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones, eventually leading to diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a potentially fatal complication of diabetes and you need to seek medical help immediately. Some of the usual symptoms of this condition are excessive thirst, frequent urination, pain in abdomen, nausea and vomiting and general weakness. You may also experience shortness of breath, confusion and exhibit fruity-scented breath.
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