High blood sugar can slow brain growth in young children

Children with type 1 diabetes may have slower brain growth than kids without the blood sugar condition, according to new research published in Diabetes.

The association seems to be due to higher and more varied blood sugar levels, the study found, which can affect both gray and white matter in the brain.

"Our results show the potential vulnerability of young developing brains to abnormally elevated glucose [blood sugar] levels, even when the diabetes duration has been relatively brief," said lead author Dr. Nelly Mauras, chief of the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Nemours Children's Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.

Cognition not affected

Despite slower brain growth, children in the study did not show significant differences in cognition, memory or thinking skills compared to children without diabetes.

"Remarkably, the cognitive tests remained normal, but whether these observed changes will ultimately impact brain function will need further study," Mauras said.

While the study did not prove a causal relationship between slow brain growth and type 2 diabetes, future technology could help determine whether better blood glucose control can impact brain development in this population, Mauras concluded.

Source: CBS
Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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