According to a latest study from the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain, children who have had an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis could possibly have constant memory problems. Diabetic ketoacidosis is known to be a frequent complication of diabetes.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is believed to take place when the body is lacking insulin and burns fat for energy instead of sugar. Apart from nausea, vomiting and fatigue, patients may suffer from slow mind. If the condition is not treated, it could perhaps result into a coma.
For the purpose of the study, the UC Davis scientists were believed to have examined nearly 33 children with type 1 diabetes and a history of diabetic ketoacidosis along with approximately 29 diabetic children with no history of such an episode. They further compared the children’s ability to recall events and associations as calculated by simple tests.
Diabetic ketoacidosis and its consequences could be avoided with appropriate glucose control in patients recognized to suffer from diabetes stated Simona Ghetti, associate professor at the UC Davis Department of Psychology and the Center for Mind and Brain. However, several cases seem to take place at the time of diagnosis of diabetes. Additionally, these cases are noted to be more difficult to detect early.
“These results underscore the importance of maintaining control of known diabetes and prompt diagnosis of new cases should diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms arise,” adds Ghetti.
The findings revealed that children who have had such an episode in the past appear to have performed considerably worse on memory tests as compared to children without a history.
Ghetti claimed that the findings support subjective accounts from parents, who complain of slight but constant memory deficits in their children with type 1 i.e. insulin-dependent diabetes. Allegedly, type 1 diabetes is not captured by IQ measures or other characteristic assessments, such as school grades.
The findings of the study have been published online in the Journal of Pediatrics.