Alterations in white matter structure in young children with type 1 diabetes

Efficacy and safety of advanced hybrid closed loop systems in children with type 1 diabetes younger than 6 years

Background

Tight glycemic control is essential for the normal growth and development of preschool children. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) systems in a real-life setting in children younger than 6 years.

Methods

We conducted a two-center prospective study. We enrolled 19 patients with a median age at disease onset of 2.6 years [interquartile range (IQR) 1.6; 4.4] and a median disease duration of 1.4 years (IQR 0.9; 2.8) who were switched to AHCL from multiple daily injections or open-loop insulin therapy and with a 6-month follow-up. Clinical data, sensor glycemic metrics, and pump settings were collected and analyzed.

Results

After 6 months of follow-up, there was a significant reduction in median HbA1c (p = 0.0007) and glucose management indicator (p = 0.03). A reduction in both mild (>180 mg/dL) (p = 0.04) and severe (>250 mg/dL) (p = 0.01) hyperglycemia was observed after 1 month of auto mode, and in mild hyperglycemia, it persisted up to 6 months (p = 0.02). A small increase in time below range (<70 mg/dL) was observed (p = 0.04) without a significant difference in time <54 mg/dL (p = 0.73). Time in range increased significantly, reaching a 10% increment (p = 0.03) compared with baseline. A significant reduction in the average sensor glucose was observed (p = 0.01) while coefficient of glucose variability (CV%) remained stable (p = 0.12). No episodes of ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycemia have been recorded.

Conclusion

AHCL systems are effective and safe for children younger than 6 years and should be considered as a valid therapeutic option from diabetes onset.

Brain functional and structural changes in diabetic children. How can intellectual development be optimized in type 1 diabetes?

The neuropsychological functioning of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is of key importance to the effectiveness of the therapy, which, in its complexity, requires a great deal of knowledge, attention, and commitment. Intellectual limitations make it difficult to achieve the optimal metabolic balance, and a lack of this alignment can contribute to the further deterioration of cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to provide a narrative review of the current state of knowledge regarding the influence of diabetes on brain structure and functions during childhood and also to present possible actions to optimize intellectual development in children with T1D. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature using selected keywords. The results were summarized using a narrative synthesis. Disturbances in glucose metabolism during childhood may have a lasting negative effect on the development of the brain and related cognitive functions. To optimize intellectual development in children with diabetes, it is essential to prevent disorders of the central nervous system by maintaining peri-normal glycemic levels. Based on the performed literature review, it seems necessary to take additional actions, including repeated neuropsychological evaluation with early detection of any cognitive dysfunctions, followed by the development of individual management strategies and the training of appropriate skills, together with complex, multidirectional environmental support.

Cerebral Glucose Metabolism following TBI: Changes in Plasma Glucose, Glucose Transport and Alternative Pathways of Glycolysis-A Translational Narrative Review

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health concern with significant consequences across various domains. Following the primary event, secondary injuries compound the outcome after TBI, with disrupted glucose metabolism emerging as a relevant factor. This narrative review summarises the existing literature on post-TBI alterations in glucose metabolism. After TBI, the brain undergoes dynamic changes in brain glucose transport, including alterations in glucose transporters and kinetics, and disruptions in the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In addition, cerebral glucose metabolism transitions from a phase of hyperglycolysis to hypometabolism, with upregulation of alternative pathways of glycolysis. Future research should further explore optimal, and possibly personalised, glycaemic control targets in TBI patients, with GLP-1 analogues as promising therapeutic candidates. Furthermore, a more fundamental understanding of alterations in the activation of various pathways, such as the polyol and lactate pathway, could hold the key to improving outcomes following TBI.

14. Children and Adolescents: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Dual-basal-insulin regimen for the management of dawn phenomenon in children with type 1 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Handling of the dawn phenomenon (DP) with multiple daily insulin injection (MDII) regimen is a real challenge.

Objective

We aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of a dual-basal-insulin (a long-acting glargine and an intermediate-acting neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH)) regimen for the management of DP in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The primary efficacy outcome was to overcome morning hyperglycemia without causing hypoglycemia during the non-DP period of the night.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Method

Charts of 28 children with T1DM (12 female; 42.8%, mean age 13.7 ± 2.1 years) treated with MDII were retrospectively reviewed. The median duration of diabetes was 4.5 years (range 2-13.5 years). DP was diagnosed using a threshold difference of 20 mg/dL (0.1 mmol/L) between fasting capillary blood glucose at 3 a.m. and prebreakfast. NPH was administered at midnight in addition to daily bedtime (08.00-09.00 p.m.) glargine (dual-basal-insulin regimen). Midnight, 03:00 a.m., prebreakfast and postprandial capillary blood glucose readings, insulin-carbohydrate ratios, and basal-bolus insulin doses were recorded the day before the dual-basal-insulin regimen was started and the day after the titration of the insulin doses was complete. Body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI SDS) at the onset-3rd-12th month of treatment were noted.

Results

Before using dual basal insulin, prebreakfast capillary blood glucose levels were greater than those at midnight and at 03:00 a.m. (F = 64.985, p < 0.01). After titration of the dual-basal-insulin doses, there were significant improvements such that there were no statistically significant differences in the capillary blood glucose measurements at the three crucial time points (midnight, 03.00 a.m., and prebreakfast; F = 1.827, p = 0.172). No instances of hypoglycemia were reported, and the total daily insulin per kilogram of body weight did not change. The BMI SDS remained steady over the course of the 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

In this retrospective cohort study, the dual-basal-insulin regimen, using a long-acting glargine and an intermediate-acting NPH, was effective in overcoming early morning hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance in the DP. However, the effectiveness of the dual-basal-insulin regimen needs to be verified by prospective controlled studies using continuous glucose monitoring metrics or frequent blood glucose monitoring.

Central nervous system microstructural alterations in Type 1 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review of diffusion Tensor imaging studies

AIMS

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic childhood disease with potentially persistent CNS disruptions. In this study, we aimed to systematically review diffusion tensor imaging studies in patients with T1DM to understand the microstructural effects of this entity on individuals' brains METHODS: We performed a systematic search and reviewed the studies to include the DTI studies in individuals with T1DM. The data for the relevant studies were extracted and a qualitative synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies were included, most of which showed reduced FA widespread in optic radiation, corona radiate, and corpus callosum, as well as other frontal, parietal, and temporal regions in the adult population, while most of the studies in the juvenile patients showed non-significant differences or a non-persistent pattern of changes. Also, reduced AD and MD in individuals with T1DM compared to controls and non-significant differences in RD were noted in the majority of studies. Microstructural alterations were associated with clinical profile, including age, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis and cognitive performance.

CONCLUSION

T1DM is associated with microstructural brain alterations including reduced FA, MD, and AD in widespread brain regions, especially in association with glycemic fluctuations and in adult age.

The effect of problem-solving skills on blood glucose regulation and disease management in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between problem-solving skills, glucose regulation, and disease management in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as well as the role of depression in this association.

METHODS

The participants (n=54) were recruited from a diabetes camp. Problem-solving inventory (PSI), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and diabetes self-management profile (DSMP) were administered as tests. Forty-six participants who have been diagnosed with T1DM for at least a year and completed the survey were included in the analyses. Participants were categorized into high and low depression groups based on the median split. Student's t-test was used to detect demographic differences in groups. Linear regression models were used to examine the association between PSI, HbA1c, and DSMP. Regressions for PSI and DSMP were repeated in low and high-depression groups.

RESULTS

Of the 46 participants with T1DM, 52 % were female, with a mean age of 13.96 ± 1.94 (range 10-17). Avoidant and monitoring style of problem solving as well as the total score of PSI significantly predicted HbA1c levels. Impulsive and avoidant style of problem solving, problem-solving confidence, and total scores of PSI significantly predicted DSMP (p<0.05). The high depression group had a significantly higher DSMP score than the low depression group (p=0.001), with no difference in HbA1c levels (p=0.968). When the DSMP regressions were repeated, no significant associations were seen in the low depression group. Avoidant style of problem solving, problem-solving confidence, and the total score of PSI significantly predicted DSMP in the high depression group (p<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Problem solving-skills are essential in children with T1DM for a successful disease management. Depression modulates the association between the problem-solving and self-management profile.

Long-term Continuous Glucose Monitor Use in Very Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes: One-Year Results From the SENCE Study

OBJECTIVES

Achieving optimal glycemic outcomes in young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is challenging. This study examined the durability of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) coupled with a family behavioral intervention (FBI) to improve glycemia.

STUDY DESIGN

This one-year study included an initial 26-week randomized controlled trial of CGM with FBI (CGM+FBI) and CGM alone (Standard-CGM) compared with blood glucose monitoring (BGM), followed by a 26-week extension phase wherein the BGM Group received the CGM+FBI (BGM-Crossover) and both original CGM groups continued this technology.

RESULTS

Time in range (70-180 mg/dL) did not improve with CGM use (CGM+FBI: baseline 37%, 52 weeks 41%; Standard-CGM: baseline 41%, 52 weeks 44%; BGM-Crossover: 26 weeks 38%, 52 weeks 40%). All three groups sustained decreases in hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL) with CGM use (CGM+FBI: baseline 3.4%, 52 weeks 2.0%; Standard-CGM: baseline 4.1%, 52 weeks 2.1%; BGM-Crossover: 26 weeks 4.5%, 52 weeks 1.7%, P-values <.001). Hemoglobin A1c was unchanged with CGM use (CGM+FBI: baseline 8.3%, 52 weeks 8.2%; Standard-CGM: baseline 8.2%, 52 weeks 8.0%; BGM-Crossover: 26 weeks 8.1%, 52 weeks 8.3%). Sensor use remained high (52-week study visit: CGM+FBI 91%, Standard-CGM 92%, BGM-Crossover 88%).

CONCLUSION

Over 12 months young children with T1D using newer CGM technology sustained reductions in hypoglycemia and, in contrast to prior studies, persistently wore CGM. However, pervasive hyperglycemia remained unmitigated. This indicates an urgent need for further advances in diabetes technology, behavioral support, and diabetes management educational approaches to optimize glycemia in young children.

Repeated dextromethorphan administration in adolescent rats produces long-lasting behavioral alterations

Initiation of non-medical dextromethorphan (DXM) use often occurs in adolescence, yet little is known about the consequences when use begins during this developmental period. The current experiments examined the acute response and the effects of repeated exposure to DXM in adolescence on behavior in adulthood. We examined locomotor activity, locomotor sensitization, and cognitive function, in rats that received repeated administration of DXM. Groups of adolescent (PND 30) and adult (PND 60) male rats were treated with DXM (60 mg/kg) once daily for 10 days. Locomotor activity in response to DXM was assessed following the first injection, on the 10th day of injection (adolescent - PND 39; adult - PND 69), and following 20 days of abstinence (adolescent - PND 60; adult - PND 90). Acute locomotor effects and locomotor sensitization were compared in adolescents and adults; cross-sensitization to ketamine, another dissociative with abuse potential, was also examined. In a separate group of rodents cognitive deficits were assessed following a 20 day abstinence period (adolescent - PND 60; adult - PND 90) in spatial learning and novel object recognition tasks. The locomotor stimulant effect of DXM was much greater in adolescents than adults. Also, only adolescent rats that were repeatedly administered DXM demonstrated locomotor sensitization at the end of 10 days of injection. However, sensitization occurred after the abstinence period in all rats regardless of age. Nonetheless, cross-sensitization to ketamine was only evident in adolescent-treated rats. DXM also led to an increase in perseverative errors in reversal learning only in the adolescent-treated group. We conclude that repeated use of DXM produces long-lasting neuroadaptations that may contribute to addiction. Deficits in cognitive flexibility occur in adolescents, although further work is necessary to confirm these findings. The results extend the understanding of potential long-term consequences of DXM use in adolescents and adults.

Type 1 Diabetes Management and Health Care Experiences Across Rural Nebraska

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to explore the unique health care needs of rural Nebraska families with a child with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

METHOD

Using a phenomenological approach, the researchers conducted four focus groups across Nebraska. The focus groups gathered input from children, caregivers, and health care providers (n = 23). The researchers coded data and generated themes. Member checking, researcher triangulation, reflexivity, a thick description of the process, and an audit trail established trustworthiness.

RESULTS

Four themes emerged: dramatic family and lifestyle changes following diagnosis, lack of access to specialized care resulting in complications, isolation improved health management resourcefulness, and technology improved health management and flexibility.

DISCUSSION

Lifestyle changes persist after a child's diagnosis with T1DM. Rural families reported unpredictable health status of their child, reduced health care services, and limited information access. Conversely, limited specialty health care access, resources, and community support led to creative self-education, advocacy, and health care management strategies. Diabetes technology offered opportunities for improved provider-patient communication and continuous glucose monitoring.

Missed meal boluses and poorer glycemic control impact on neurocognitive function may be associated with white matter integrity in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Background

The notion that pediatric type 1 diabetes impacts brain function and structure early in life is of great concern. Neurological manifestations, including neurocognitive and behavioral symptoms, may be present from childhood, initially mild and undetectable in daily life. Despite intensive management and technological therapeutic interventions, most pediatric patients do not achieve glycemic control targets for HbA1c. One of the most common causes of such poor control and frequent transient hyperglycemic episodes may be lifestyle factors, including missed meal boluses.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the association between specific neurocognitive accomplishments-learning and memory, inhibition ability learning, and verbal and semantic memory-during meals with and without bolusing, correlated to diffusion tensor imaging measurements of major related tracts, and glycemic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared with their healthy siblings of similar age.

Study design and methods

This is a case-control study of 12- to 18-year-old patients with type 1 diabetes (N = 17, 8 male patients, diabetes duration of 6.53 ± 4.1 years) and their healthy siblings (N = 13). All were hospitalized for 30 h for continuous glucose monitoring and repeated neurocognitive tests as a function of a missed or appropriate pre-meal bolus. This situation was mimicked by controlled, patient blinded manipulation of lunch pre-meal bolus administration to enable capillary glucose level of <180 mg/dl and to >240 mg/d 2 hours after similar meals, at a similar time. The diabetes team randomly and blindly manipulated post-lunch glucose levels by subcutaneous injection of either rapid-acting insulin or 0.9% NaCl solution before lunch. A specific neurocognitive test battery was performed twice, after each manipulation, and its results were compared, along with additional neurocognitive tasks administered during hospitalization without insulin manipulation. Participants underwent brain imaging, including diffusion tensor imaging and tractography.

Results

A significant association was demonstrated between glycemic control and performance in the domains of executive functions, inhibition ability, learning and verbal memory, and semantic memory. Inhibition ability was specifically related to food management. Poorer glycemic control (>8.3%) was associated with a slower reaction time.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the potential impairment of brain networks responsible for learning, memory, and controlled reactivity to food in adolescents with type 1 diabetes whose glycemic control is poor.

14. Children and Adolescents: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2023

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Impact of dysglycemia and obesity on the brain in adolescents with and without type 2 diabetes: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Both diabetes and obesity can affect the brain, yet their impact is not well characterized in children with type 2 (T2) diabetes and obesity. This pilot study aims to explore differences in brain function and cognition in adolescents with T2 diabetes and obesity and nondiabetic controls with obesity and lean controls.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants were 12-17 years old (5 T2 diabetes with obesity [mean HgbA1C 10.9%], 6 nondiabetic controls with obesity and 10 lean controls). Functional MRI (FMRI) during hyperglycemic/euglycemic clamps was performed in the T2 diabetes group.

RESULTS

When children with obesity, with and without diabetes, were grouped (mean BMI 98.8%), cognitive scores were lower than lean controls (BMI 58.4%) on verbal, full scale, and performance IQ, visual-spatial and executive function tests. Lower scores correlated with adiposity and insulin resistance but not HgbA1C. No significant brain activation differences during task based and resting state FMRI were noted between children with obesity (with or without diabetes) and lean controls, but a notable effect size for the visual-spatial working memory task and resting state was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our pilot study suggests that obesity, insulin resistance, and dysglycemia may contribute to relatively poorer cognitive function in adolescents with T2 diabetes and obesity. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to assess if cognitive decline in children with obesity, with and without T2 diabetes, can be prevented or reversed.

Altered glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's disease: Role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress

Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal cerebral glucose metabolism is largely present in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The brain utilizes glucose as its main energy source and a decline in its metabolism directly reflects on brain function. Weighing on recent evidence, here we systematically assessed the aberrant glucose metabolism associated with amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau accumulation in AD brain. Interlink between insulin signaling and AD highlighted the involvement of the IRS/PI3K/Akt/AMPK signaling, and GLUTs in the disease progression. While shedding light on the mitochondrial dysfunction in the defective glucose metabolism, we further assessed functional consequences of AGEs (advanced glycation end products) accumulation, polyol activation, and other contributing factors including terminal respiration, ROS (reactive oxygen species), mitochondrial permeability, PINK1/parkin defects, lysosome-mitochondrial crosstalk, and autophagy/mitophagy. Combined with the classic plaque and tangle pathologies, glucose hypometabolism with acquired insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction potentiate these factors to exacerbate AD pathology. To this end, we further reviewed AD and DM (diabetes mellitus) crosstalk in disease progression. Taken together, the present work discusses the emerging role of altered glucose metabolism, contributing impact of insulin signaling, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the defective cerebral glucose utilization in AD.

Elevated cerebrospinal fluid glucose levels and diabetes mellitus are associated with activation of the neurotoxic polyol pathway

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

During hyperglycaemia, some glucose bypasses glycolysis and is metabolised via the potentially neurotoxic polyol pathway, in which glucose is metabolised to sorbitol and fructose. Increased polyol concentrations have been demonstrated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of neurological patients with and without diabetes mellitus. However, polyol levels in patients without evident neurological abnormalities have not been investigated so far. The aim of this study was to determine CSF polyol concentrations in patients without major neurological disease with normal or elevated CSF glucose concentrations.

METHODS

This observational cohort study used CSF and plasma analyses, as well as clinical data, from 30 participants of the Anaesthetic Biobank of Cerebrospinal Fluid study. Biomaterial was collected from adult patients scheduled for elective surgery under spinal anaesthesia. CSF polyol concentrations were measured by GC/flame ionisation detector in ten patients with normal CSF glucose levels (group 1), ten patients with elevated CSF glucose levels (group 2) and ten patients with elevated CSF glucose levels and type 2 diabetes (group 3). We compared the concentrations of plasma glucose, CSF glucose, sorbitol and fructose, and CSF polyol/glucose ratios between the three groups, and determined the correlation between plasma glucose levels and CSF glucose, sorbitol and fructose levels.

RESULTS

Groups 2 and 3 had significantly higher CSF fructose levels compared with group 1 (p=0.036 and p<0.001, respectively). Group 3 showed significant differences compared with groups 1 and 2 for CSF sorbitol (p<0.001 and 0.036, respectively). Moreover, patients with diabetes had a significantly higher CSF sorbitol/glucose ratio compared with patients without diabetes. There was a strong positive correlation between plasma glucose and CSF glucose, sorbitol and fructose. Finally, age, sex, CSF/plasma albumin ratio and preoperative cognitive function scores were significantly correlated with plasma glucose and CSF glucose, sorbitol and fructose levels.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Hyperglycaemia causes a proportional increase in polyol concentrations in CSF of patients without major neurological disease. Furthermore, this study provides the first indication of upregulation of the cerebral polyol pathway in patients with diabetes without evident neurological abnormalities.

Impact of glucose metabolism on the developing brain

Glucose is the most important substrate for proper brain functioning and development, with an increased glucose consumption in relation to the need of creating new brain structures and connections. Therefore, alterations in glucose homeostasis will inevitably be associated with changes in the development of the Nervous System. Several studies demonstrated how the alteration of glucose homeostasis - both hyper and hypoglycemia- may interfere with the development of brain structures and cognitivity, including deficits in intelligence quotient, anomalies in learning and memory, as well as differences in the executive functions. Importantly, differences in brain structure and functionality were found after a single episode of diabetic ketoacidosis suggesting the importance of glycemic control and stressing the need of screening programs for type 1 diabetes to protect children from this dramatic condition. The exciting progresses of the neuroimaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging, has helped to improve the understanding of the effects, outcomes and mechanisms underlying brain changes following dysglycemia, and will lead to more insights on the physio-pathological mechanisms and related neurological consequences about hyper and hypoglycemia.

14. Children and Adolescents: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Peripheral versus central insulin and leptin resistance: Role in metabolic disorders, cognition, and neuropsychiatric diseases

Insulin and leptin are classically regarded as peptide hormones that play key roles in metabolism. In actuality, they serve several functions in both the periphery and central nervous system (CNS). Likewise, insulin and leptin resistance can occur both peripherally and centrally. Metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity share several key features including insulin and leptin resistance. While the peripheral effects of these disorders are well-known (i.e. cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, dyslipidemia, etc.), the CNS complications of leptin and insulin resistance have come into sharper focus. Both preclinical and clinical findings have indicated that insulin and leptin resistance are associated with cognitive deficits and neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression. Importantly, these studies also suggest that these deficits in neuroplasticity can be reversed by restoration of insulin and leptin sensitivity. In view of these observations, this review will describe, in detail, the peripheral and central functions of insulin and leptin and explain the role of insulin and leptin resistance in various metabolic disorders, cognition, and neuropsychiatric diseases.

Diagnosis and management of pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: In contrast to type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) requires insulin treatment to control blood glucose. As the incidence and prevalence of T1DM have steadily increased; therefore, T1DM is increasingly being diagnosed not only in children and adolescents, but also in adults. Therefore, the importance of accurate diagnosis and optimal management of T1DM is being recognized in clinical practice.Current Concepts: T1DM is caused by insulin deficiency, following the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. Diagnosis of diabetes is based on the following criteria: fasting blood glucose levels ≥126 mg/dL, random blood glucose levels ≥200 mg/dL accompanied by symptoms of hyperglycemia, an abnormal 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, or glycated hemoglobin ≥6.5%. Accurate diagnosis of T1DM based on patients’ clinical characteristics, serum C-peptide levels, and detection of autoantibodies against β-cell autoantigens is important for optimum care and to avoid complications. A target glycated hemoglobin level is recommended in children, adolescents, and young adults with access to comprehensive care. The availability of insulin analogues and mechanical technologies (insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors) has improved the management of T1DM, and these are useful for the prevention of microvascular complications. Screening for microvascular complications should commence at puberty or 5 years after diagnosis of T1DM.Discussion and Conclusion: Effective cooperation and coordination between patient, parents, and healthcare providers are necessary to achieve a successful transition from pediatric to adult care in patients with T1DM. Diabetic management for T1DM should be individualized based on patients’ lifestyle, as well as psychosocial, and medical circumstances.

Technological Ecological Momentary Assessment Tools to Study Type 1 Diabetes in Youth: Viewpoint of Methodologies

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing. The management of glucose in T1D is challenging, as youth must consider a myriad of factors when making diabetes care decisions. This task often leads to significant hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and glucose variability throughout the day, which have been associated with short- and long-term medical complications. At present, most of what is known about each of these complications and the health behaviors that may lead to them have been uncovered in the clinical setting or in laboratory-based research. However, the tools often used in these settings are limited in their ability to capture the dynamic behaviors, feelings, and physiological changes associated with T1D that fluctuate from moment to moment throughout the day. A better understanding of T1D in daily life could potentially aid in the development of interventions to improve diabetes care and mitigate the negative medical consequences associated with it. Therefore, there is a need to measure repeated, real-time, and real-world features of this disease in youth. This approach is known as ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and it has considerable advantages to in-lab research. Thus, this viewpoint aims to describe EMA tools that have been used to collect data in the daily lives of youth with T1D and discuss studies that explored the nuances of T1D in daily life using these methods. This viewpoint focuses on the following EMA methods: continuous glucose monitoring, actigraphy, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, personal digital assistants, smartphones, and phone-based systems. The viewpoint also discusses the benefits of using EMA methods to collect important data that might not otherwise be collected in the laboratory and the limitations of each tool, future directions of the field, and possible clinical implications for their use.

Lower HbA1c targets are associated with better metabolic control

Previous studies have suggested that clear HbA1c target setting by the diabetes team is associated with HbA1c outcomes in adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this finding is consistent in a larger cohort of children from centers participating in the SWEET international diabetes registry. A questionnaire was sent out to 76 SWEET centers, of which responses from 53 pediatric centers were included (70%). Descriptive outcomes were presented as median with lower and upper quartile. The association between the centers' target HbA1c and mean outcome HbA1c was calculated using linear regression adjusted for age, diabetes duration, sex, and gross domestic product. Median age of the children in the studied centers (n = 35,483) was 13.3 [12.6-14.6] years (49% female). Of the 53 centers, 13.2% reported an HbA1c target between 6.0 and 6.5%, 32.1% had a target between ≥ 6.0 and 7.0%, 18.9% between ≥ 7.0 and 7.5%, and 3.8% between ≥ 7.5 and 8.5%. No specific target value was reported by 32.1% of all centers. Median HbA1c across all centers was 7.9 [7.6-8.3] %. Adjusted regression analysis showed a positive association between HbA1c outcome and target HbA1c (p = 0.005).Conclusions: This international study demonstrated that a lower target for HbA1c was associated with better metabolic control. It is unclear whether low target values result in better metabolic control, or lower HbA1c values actually result in more ambitious target values. This target setting could contribute to the differences in HbA1c values between centers and could be an approach for improving metabolic outcomes. What is Known: • Target setting of HbA1c is important in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. • The optimal therapeutic approach of children with type 1 diabetes requires a trained multidisciplinary team. What is New: • Lower HbA1c targets are associated with better metabolic control. • No associations between the composition of the diabetes teams and metabolic control could be demonstrated.

Variation of HbA1c affects cognition and white matter microstructure in healthy, young adults

The metabolic serum marker HbA1c has been associated with both impaired cognitive performance and altered white matter integrity in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. However, it remains unclear if higher levels of HbA1c might also affect brain structure and function in healthy subjects. With the present study we therefore aimed to investigate the relationship between HbA1c levels and cognitive performance as well as white matter microstructure in healthy, young adults. To address this question, associations between HbA1c and cognitive measures (NIH Cognition Toolbox) as well as DTI-derived imaging measures of white matter microstructure were investigated in a publicly available sample of healthy, young adults as part of the Humane Connectome Project (n = 1206, mean age = 28.8 years, 45.5% male). We found that HbA1c levels (range 4.1-6.3%) were significantly inversely correlated with measures of cognitive performance. Higher HbA1c levels were associated with significant and widespread reductions in fractional anisotropy (FA) controlling for age, sex, body mass index, ethnicity, and education. FA reductions were furthermore found to covary with measures of cognitive performance. The same pattern of results could be observed in analyses restricted to participants with HBA1c levels below 5.7%. The present study demonstrates that low-grade HbA1c variation below diagnostic threshold for diabetes is related to both cognitive performance and white matter integrity in healthy, young adults. These findings highlight the detrimental impact of metabolic risk factors on brain physiology and underscore the importance of intensified preventive measures independent of the currently applied diagnostic HbA1c cutoff scores.

Impact of Type 1 Diabetes in the Developing Brain in Children: A Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether previously observed brain and cognitive differences between children with type 1 diabetes and control subjects without diabetes persist, worsen, or improve as children grow into puberty and whether differences are associated with hyperglycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

One hundred forty-four children with type 1 diabetes and 72 age-matched control subjects without diabetes (mean ± SD age at baseline 7.0 ± 1.7 years, 46% female) had unsedated MRI and cognitive testing up to four times over 6.4 ± 0.4 (range 5.3-7.8) years; HbA_1c and continuous glucose monitoring were done quarterly. FreeSurfer-derived brain volumes and cognitive metrics assessed longitudinally were compared between groups using mixed-effects models at 6, 8, 10, and 12 years. Correlations with glycemia were performed.

RESULTS

Total brain, gray, and white matter volumes and full-scale and verbal intelligence quotients (IQs) were lower in the diabetes group at 6, 8, 10, and 12 years, with estimated group differences in full-scale IQ of -4.15, -3.81, -3.46, and -3.11, respectively (P < 0.05), and total brain volume differences of -15,410, -21,159, -25,548, and -28,577 mm³ at 6, 8, 10, and 12 years, respectively (P < 0.05). Differences at baseline persisted or increased over time, and brain volumes and cognitive scores negatively correlated with a life-long HbA_1c index and higher sensor glucose in diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Detectable changes in brain volumes and cognitive scores persist over time in children with early-onset type 1 diabetes followed longitudinally; these differences are associated with metrics of hyperglycemia. Whether these changes can be reversed with scrupulous diabetes control requires further study. These longitudinal data support the hypothesis that the brain is a target of diabetes complications in young children.

Brain Health in Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Risk and Protective Factors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To synthesize findings from studies of neurocognitive complications in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and highlight potential risk and protective factors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Emerging evidence suggests that hyperglycemia and time in range may be more important for brain development than episodes of hypoglycemia. Further, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the time of T1D diagnosis appears to be a particular risk factor for neurocognitive complications, particularly deficits in executive function skills and memory, with differences in cerebral white matter microstructure seen via advanced magnetic resonance imaging methods, and lower scores on measures of attention and memory observed among children who were diagnosed in DKA. Other factors that may influence neurocognitive development include child sleep, caregiver distress, and diabetes device use, presumably due to improved glycemic control. We highlight neurocognitive risk and protective factors for children with T1D and priorities for future research in this high-risk population.

Assessing the efficacy, safety and utility of closed-loop insulin delivery compared with sensor-augmented pump therapy in very young children with type 1 diabetes (KidsAP02 study): an open-label, multicentre, multinational, randomised cross-over study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes management in very young children remains challenging. Glycaemic targets are achieved at the expense of high parental diabetes management burden and frequent hypoglycaemia, impacting quality of life for the whole family. Our objective is to assess whether automated insulin delivery can improve glycaemic control and alleviate the burden of diabetes management in this particular age group.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study adopts an open-label, multinational, multicentre, randomised, crossover design and aims to randomise 72 children aged 1-7 years with type 1 diabetes on insulin pump therapy. Following screening, participants will receive training on study insulin pump and study continuous glucose monitoring devices. Participants will be randomised to 16-week use of the hybrid closed-loop system (intervention period) or to 16-week use of sensor-augmented pump therapy (control period) with 1-4 weeks washout period before crossing over to the other arm. The order of the two study periods will be random. The primary endpoint is the between-group difference in time spent in the target glucose range from 3.9 to 10.0 mmol/L based on sensor glucose readings during the 16-week study periods. Analyses will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. Key secondary endpoints are between group differences in time spent above and below target glucose range, glycated haemoglobin and average sensor glucose. Participants' and caregivers' experiences will be evaluated using questionnaires and qualitative interviews, and sleep quality will be assessed. A health economic analysis will be performed.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval has been obtained from Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee (UK), Ethics Committees of the University of Innsbruck, the University of Vienna and the University of Graz (Austria), Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of the University of Leipzig (Germany) and Comité National d'Ethique de Recherche (Luxembourg). The results will be disseminated by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03784027.

A Randomized Clinical Trial Assessing Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Use With Standardized Education With or Without a Family Behavioral Intervention Compared With Fingerstick Blood Glucose Monitoring in Very Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effects of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) combined with family behavioral intervention (CGM+FBI) and CGM alone (Standard-CGM) on glycemic outcomes and parental quality of life compared with blood glucose monitoring (BGM) in children ages 2 to <8 years with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a multicenter (N = 14), 6-month, randomized controlled trial including 143 youth 2 to <8 years of age with type 1 diabetes. Primary analysis included treatment group comparisons of percent time in range (TIR) (70-180 mg/dL) across follow-up visits.

RESULTS

Approximately 90% of participants in the CGM groups used CGM ≥6 days/week at 6 months. Between-group TIR comparisons showed no significant changes: CGM+FBI vs. BGM 3.2% (95% CI -0.5, 7.0), Standard-CGM vs. BGM 0.5% (-2.6 to 3.6), CGM+FBI vs. Standard-CGM 2.7% (-0.6, 6.1). Mean time with glucose level <70 mg/dL was reduced from baseline to follow-up in the CGM+FBI (from 5.2% to 2.6%) and Standard-CGM (5.8% to 2.5%) groups, compared with 5.4% to 5.8% with BGM (CGM+FBI vs. BGM, P < 0.001, and Standard-CGM vs. BGM, P < 0.001). No severe hypoglycemic events occurred in the CGM+FBI group, one occurred in the Standard-CGM group, and five occurred in the BGM group. CGM+FBI parents reported greater reductions in diabetes burden and fear of hypoglycemia compared with Standard-CGM (P = 0.008 and 0.04) and BGM (P = 0.02 and 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

CGM used consistently over a 6-month period in young children with type 1 diabetes did not improve TIR but did significantly reduce time in hypoglycemia. The FBI benefited parental well-being.

The Evolution of Hemoglobin A1c Targets for Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: Rationale and Supporting Evidence

The American Diabetes Association 2020 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes (Standards of Care) recommends a hemoglobin A1c (A1C) of <7% (53 mmol/mol) for many children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), with an emphasis on target personalization. A higher A1C target of <7.5% may be more suitable for youth who cannot articulate symptoms of hypoglycemia or have hypoglycemia unawareness and for those who do not have access to analog insulins or advanced diabetes technologies or who cannot monitor blood glucose regularly. Even less stringent A1C targets (e.g., <8%) may be warranted for children with a history of severe hypoglycemia, severe morbidities, or short life expectancy. During the "honeymoon" period and in situations where lower mean glycemia is achievable without excessive hypoglycemia or reduced quality of life, an A1C <6.5% may be safe and effective. Here, we provide a historical perspective of A1C targets in pediatrics and highlight evidence demonstrating detrimental effects of hyperglycemia in children and adolescents, including increased likelihood of brain structure and neurocognitive abnormalities, microvascular and macrovascular complications, long-term effects, and increased mortality. We also review data supporting a decrease over time in overall severe hypoglycemia risk for youth with T1D, partly associated with the use of newer insulins and devices, and weakened association between lower A1C and severe hypoglycemia risk. We present common barriers to achieving glycemic targets in pediatric diabetes and discuss some strategies to address them. We aim to raise awareness within the community on Standards of Care updates that impact this crucial goal in pediatric diabetes management.

Investigating Brain Microstructural Alterations in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging: A Systematic Review

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus have an impact on the microstructural environment and cognitive functions of the brain due to its microvascular/macrovascular complications. Conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques can allow detection of brain volume reduction in people with diabetes. However, conventional MRI is insufficiently sensitive to quantify microstructural changes. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) has been used as a sensitive MRI-based technique for quantifying and assessing brain microstructural abnormalities in patients with diabetes. This systematic review aims to summarise the original research literature using DTI to quantify microstructural alterations in diabetes and the relation of such changes to cognitive status and metabolic profile. A total of thirty-eight published studies that demonstrate the impact of diabetes mellitus on brain microstructure using DTI are included, and these demonstrate that both type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus may affect cognitive abilities due to the alterations in brain microstructures.

13. Children and Adolescents: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2021

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Medical Neglect in Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus was a fatal disease for thousands of years, but the discovery of insulin in 1921 and major substantial improvements in care have made living with diabetes a chronic rather than fatal disease for many people, including children and adolescents. Diabetes mellitus is a lifestyle-altering diagnosis for the entire family. In some families, children and adolescents do not get the daily care they depend upon. This article reviews the consequences of medical neglect of children with diabetes and the optimal community response to concerns of medical neglect of diabetes. Criteria for placement in foster or substitute care are suggested.

Brain Function Differences in Children With Type 1 Diabetes: A Functional MRI Study of Working Memory

Glucose is a primary fuel source to the brain, yet the influence of dysglycemia on neurodevelopment in children with type 1 diabetes remains unclear. We examined brain activation using functional MRI in 80 children with type 1 diabetes (mean ± SD age 11.5 ± 1.8 years; 46% female) and 47 children without diabetes (control group) (age 11.8 ± 1.5 years; 51% female) as they performed a visuospatial working memory (N-back) task. Results indicated that in both groups, activation scaled positively with increasing working memory load across many areas, including the frontoparietal cortex, caudate, and cerebellum. Between groups, children with diabetes exhibited reduced performance on the N-back task relative to children in the control group, as well as greater modulation of activation (i.e., showed greater increase in activation with higher working memory load). Post hoc analyses indicated that greater modulation was associated in the diabetes group with better working memory function and with an earlier age of diagnosis. These findings suggest that increased modulation may occur as a compensatory mechanism, helping in part to preserve working memory ability, and further, that children with an earlier onset require additional compensation. Future studies that test whether these patterns change as a function of improved glycemic control are warranted.

Time spent outside of target glucose range for young children with type 1 diabetes: a continuous glucose monitor study

AIM

To assess the associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and sensor glucose metrics in young children with type 1 diabetes, using masked, continuous glucose monitoring data from children aged 2 to < 8 years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The analysis included 143 children across 14 sites in the USA, enrolled in a separate clinical trial. Eligibility criteria were: age 2 to <8 years; type 1 diabetes duration ≥3 months; no continuous glucose monitoring use for past 30 days; and HbA_1c concentration 53 to <86 mmol/mol (7.0 to <10.0%). All participants wore masked continuous glucose monitors up to 14 days.

RESULTS

On average, participants spent the majority (13 h) of the day in hyperglycaemia (>10.0 mmol/l) and a median of ~1 h/day in hypoglycaemia (<3.9 mmol/l). Participants with minority race/ethnicity and higher parent education levels spent more time in target range, 3.9-10.0 mmol/l, and less time in hyperglycaemia. More time in hypoglycaemia was associated with minority race/ethnicity and younger age at diagnosis. Continuous glucose monitoring metrics were similar in pump and injection users.

CONCLUSIONS

Given that both hypo- and hyperglycaemia negatively impact neurocognitive development, strategies to increase time in target glucose range for young children are needed.

Improving pediatric endocrinology trainees' knowledge about insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors with online spaced education: Technology Knowledge Optimization in T1D (TeKnO T1D)

OBJECTIVE

We explored the impact of TeKnO T1D, an online, case-based, spaced education curriculum about insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use in pediatric type 1 diabetes management.

METHODS

Pediatric endocrinology fellows (n = 64) were randomized to receive an educational curriculum focused on either insulin pumps or CGMs. Fellows received interactive questions twice weekly via email or mobile app. Median time to completion was 76.5 days. The primary outcome was change in knowledge as measured by performance on multiple-choice questions (MCQ) from the pre-test to the post-test.

RESULTS

Forty-eight of 64 (75%) learners completed the curriculum and assessments. The pump group improved from 35.0 ± 15% on the pre-test MCQs to 61.1 ± 17% on the post-test, a 12.2 absolute percentage point greater improvement on pump-specific items than the CGM group (P = .03). The CGM group improved from 30.3 ± 15% on the pre-test MCQs to 61.4 ± 21% on the post-test, a 28.7 absolute percentage point greater improvement on CGM-specific items than the pump group (P < .001). Both groups were more likely to report an appropriate level of understanding of their respective technologies after completing the corresponding curriculum. In thematic analysis of qualitative data, fellows indicated that knowledge gains led to improved patient care. There was universal agreement about enjoyment and effectiveness of the curricula.

CONCLUSIONS

TeKnO T1D proved to be an engaging, effective way to improve endocrinology fellows' knowledge and confidence about insulin pumps and CGM use in the management of pediatric type 1 diabetes.

Electroencephalogram Reactivity to Hyperglycemia in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

This paper is concerned with a study of hyperglycemia on four patients with type 1 diabetes at night time. We investigated the association between hyperglycemic episodes and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals using data from the central and occipital areas. The power spectral density of the brain waves was estimated to compare the difference between hyperglycemia and euglycemia using the hyperglycemic threshold of 8.3 mmol/L. The statistical results showed that alpha and beta bands were more sensitive to hyperglycemic episodes than delta and theta bands. During hyperglycemia, whereas the alpha power increased significantly in the occipital lobe (P<0.005), the power of the beta band increased significantly in all observed channels (P<0.01). Using the Pearson correlation, we assessed the relationship between EEG signals and glycemic episodes. The estimated EEG power levels of the alpha band and the beta band produced a significant correlation against blood glucose levels (P<0.005). These preliminary results show the potential of using EEG signals as a biomarker to detect hyperglycemia.

Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Glargine 300 Units/mL (Gla-300) Versus Insulin Glargine 100 Units/mL (Gla-100) in Children and Adolescents (6-17 years) With Type 1 Diabetes: Results of the EDITION JUNIOR Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla-300) and 100 units/mL (Gla-100) in children and adolescents (6-17 years old) with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

EDITION JUNIOR was a noninferiority, international, open-label, two-arm, parallel-group, phase 3b trial. Participants were randomized 1:1 to Gla-300 or Gla-100, titrated to achieve fasting self-monitored plasma glucose levels of 90-130 mg/dL (5.0-7.2 mmol/L), with continuation of prior prandial insulin. The primary end point was change in HbA_1c from baseline to week 26. Other assessments included change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia with ketosis, and adverse events.

RESULTS

In 463 randomized participants (Gla-300, n = 233; Gla-100, n = 230), comparable least squares (LS) mean (SE) reductions in HbA_1c were observed from baseline to week 26 (-0.40% [0.06%] for both groups), with LS mean between-group difference of 0.004% (95% CI -0.17 to 0.18), confirming noninferiority at the prespecified 0.3% (3.3 mmol/mol) margin. Mean FPG change from baseline to week 26 was also similar between groups. During the 6-month treatment period, incidence and event rates of severe or documented (≤70 mg/dL [≤3.9 mmol/L]) hypoglycemia were similar between groups. Incidence of severe hypoglycemia was 6.0% with Gla-300 and 8.8% with Gla-100 (relative risk 0.68 [95% CI 0.35-1.30]). Incidence of any hyperglycemia with ketosis was 6.4% with Gla-300 and 11.8% with Gla-100.

CONCLUSIONS

Gla-300 provided similar glycemic control and safety profiles to Gla-100 in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, indicating that Gla-300 is a suitable therapeutic option in this population.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurocognitive function in children with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

This study aimed to clarify whether brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a biomarker for cognitive dysfunction in children with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study of children aged between 6 and 18 years with type 1 diabetes and healthy volunteers. Serum BDNF level was measured in all of the studied children, and they all underwent intelligence tests with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). We further compared the cognitive function and BDNF levels in the diabetic children with positive glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibody (GAD65-Ab) and those with negative GAD65-Ab.

RESULTS

Forty-five children with type 1 diabetes (mean age 14.0 ± 2.6 years, 42% male) and 50 normal controls (mean age 13.2 ± 2.3 years, 54% male) were recruited. The serum BDNF level was significantly lower in the diabetes group than in the controls (15.92 ± 7.2 vs. 18.5 ± 5.1 ng/mL, respectively, t = -2.03, p = 0.045) and much lower in the subgroup with GAD65-Ab positive type 1 diabetes. The average Full-Scale IQ, verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning and working memory scores in the diabetes group were significantly lower than in the controls (all p < 0.05). Among the children with type 1 diabetes, poor glycemic control was related to lower general cognitive abilities (r = -0.34, p < 0.02), lower verbal comprehension (r = -0.305, p < 0.05), and lower perceptual reasoning scores (r = -0.346, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The children with type 1 diabetes had a lower serum BDNF level and poorer neurocognitive function than normal healthy children, especially those with GAD65-Ab positive diabetes. Poor glycemic control was correlated with worse cognitive performance.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus management in young children: implementation of current technologies

The use of advanced technologies for diabetes management is on the rise among pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), continuous glucose monitoring, predictive low glucose suspend, hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery systems-all enable better diabetes management and glycemic control. However, when used by children, and especially very young children, specific aspects must be taken into consideration, including technical parameters, ease of use, parental stress, and satisfaction. The unique characteristics of T1D in children aged <6 years are reviewed and studies of the pros and cons of different technologies in this specific age group are presented. Addressing such issues when implementing advanced technologies among very young children with T1D will enable better diabetes management and will hopefully ease a tremendous burden of both children and families.

13. Children and Adolescents: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2020

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Prevalence of Diabetes and Prediabetes among Children Aged 11-14 Years Old in Vietnam

AIM

Diabetes in children is becoming more prevalent in some countries. However, in most countries, little is known about the epidemiology of this disease. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prediabetes among children in Vietnam and examining factors associated with the conditions.

METHODS

A total of 2880 students aged 11-14 years old were recruited for the survey, using a school-based and nationally representative sampling frame. Capillary blood samples of participants were collected to measure fasting glucose level, using glucose meter OneTouch Verio Pro+. Diabetes and impaired fasting plasma glucose were initially diagnosed based on the cut-off points of the American Diabetes Association criteria. Diabetes status and type of diabetes of participants were confirmed at a hospital. Additionally, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were conducted following a standardized procedure. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between outcome and independent variables.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of diabetes among the participants was 1.04‰ (three cases), with 2 cases (0.75‰) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (one known and one newly diagnosed) and 1 case newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (0.35‰). The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was 6.1%. Body mass index, place of residence, and age were found to be significantly associated with the impaired fasting glucose condition in participants.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children in Vietnam is lower than that in some other countries reported recently. However, there is a high prevalence in impaired fasting glucose, requiring attention from policymakers to take action to prevent the occurrence of the epidemic of type 2 diabetes in children in the future.

Executive task-based brain function in children with type 1 diabetes: An observational study

BACKGROUND

Optimal glycemic control is particularly difficult to achieve in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D), yet the influence of dysglycemia on the developing brain remains poorly understood.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Using a large multi-site study framework, we investigated activation patterns using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 93 children with T1D (mean age 11.5 ± 1.8 years; 45.2% female) and 57 non-diabetic (control) children (mean age 11.8 ± 1.5 years; 50.9% female) as they performed an executive function paradigm, the go/no-go task. Children underwent scanning and cognitive and clinical assessment at 1 of 5 different sites. Group differences in activation occurring during the contrast of "no-go > go" were examined while controlling for age, sex, and scan site. Results indicated that, despite equivalent task performance between the 2 groups, children with T1D exhibited increased activation in executive control regions (e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal and supramarginal gyri; p = 0.010) and reduced suppression of activation in the posterior node of the default mode network (DMN; p = 0.006). Secondary analyses indicated associations between activation patterns and behavior and clinical disease course. Greater hyperactivation in executive control regions in the T1D group was correlated with improved task performance (as indexed by shorter response times to correct "go" trials; r = -0.36, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.16, p < 0.001) and with better parent-reported measures of executive functioning (r values < -0.29, 95% CIs -0.47 to -0.08, p-values < 0.007). Increased deficits in deactivation of the posterior DMN in the T1D group were correlated with an earlier age of T1D onset (r = -0.22, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.02, p = 0.033). Finally, exploratory analyses indicated that among children with T1D (but not control children), more severe impairments in deactivation of the DMN were associated with greater increases in hyperactivation of executive control regions (T1D: r = 0.284, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.46, p = 0.006; control: r = 0.108, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.36, p = 0.423). A limitation to this study involves glycemic effects on brain function; because blood glucose was not clamped prior to or during scanning, future studies are needed to assess the influence of acute versus chronic dysglycemia on our reported findings. In addition, the mechanisms underlying T1D-associated alterations in activation are unknown.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that increased recruitment of executive control areas in pediatric T1D may act to offset diabetes-related impairments in the DMN, ultimately facilitating cognitive and behavioral performance levels that are equivalent to that of non-diabetic controls. Future studies that examine whether these patterns change as a function of improved glycemic control are warranted.

Childhood Metabolic Biomarkers Are Associated with Performance on Cognitive Tasks in Young Children

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the hypothesis that metabolic measures (fasting glucose, insulin, and Homeostatic Model of Assessment for Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] levels) are inversely associated with performance on cognitive tasks using data from young (4- to 6-year-old), typically developing, healthy children.

STUDY DESIGN

Data were obtained from children participating in the Healthy Start study, a pre-birth cohort in Colorado. HOMA-IR, glucose, and insulin values were centered and scaled using the study sample means and SD. Thus, they are reported in number of SD units from the mean. Fully corrected T scores for inhibitory control (Flanker task), cognitive flexibility (Dimensional Change Card Sort test), and receptive language (Picture Vocabulary test) were obtained via the National Institutes of Health Toolbox cognition battery.

RESULTS

Children included in this analysis (n = 137) were 4.6 years old, on average. Per 1-SD unit, fasting glucose (B = -2.0, 95% CI -3.5, -0.5), insulin (B = -1.7, 95% CI -3.0, -0.4), and HOMA-IR values (B = -1.8, 95% CI -3.1, -0.5) were each significantly and inversely associated with inhibitory control (P < .05 for all, respectively). Fasting glucose levels were also inversely associated with cognitive flexibility (B = -2.0, 95% CI -3.7, -0.2, P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that metabolic health may impact fluid cognitive function in healthy, young children.

Efficacy and Safety of Real-Life Usage of MiniMed 670G Automode in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Less than 7 Years Old

The Medtronic MiniMed 670G system with SmartGuard™ (Medtronic, Northridge, CA) is a commercial hybrid closed-loop (HCL) system approved for use in 2018 for children >7 years. Studies of this HCL system in subjects >7 years old show improvement in glycemic control, but no study has described its use in younger children. This is a retrospective analysis of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) <7 years of age who used the 670G HCL system at Seattle Children's Hospital for 3 months. We compared 2-week data from Carelink™ while in manual mode (MM) with suspend before low active with those in auto mode (AM). We used two tailed t-test to compare variables related to glycemic control. Sixteen children were reviewed [age of AM start: average 4.3 years (range 2-6); 10 male]. The average time in AM was 6.3 ± 2.9 months (range 3-12). There was a statistically significant change for A1c [MM 7.9% (62.8 mmol/mol), AM 7.4% (57.4 mmol/mol); P-value <0.001], percentage time in range (MM 42.8%, AM 56.2%; P-value <0.001), percentage hypoglycemia (MM 1.3%, AM 2.4%; P-value 0.04), and average sensor glucose [MM 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L), AM 176 mg/dL (9.8 mmol/L); P-value <0.001]. No serious adverse reports noted. This case series showed improvement in glycemic control in very young children using the 670G HCL. We did note more hypoglycemia although no serious adverse events, such as hypoglycemic seizure, were reported. A HCL system can be used in young children with T1D safely and effectively and should be an option for children <7 years.

Benefit finding among parents of young children with type 1 diabetes

Benefit finding, perceived positive effects of adversity, has been associated with psychological well-being in people with chronic illnesses and with better adherence for adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Our qualitative research with parents of young children (< 6 years old) with T1D indicated that benefit finding (BF) is a common parental coping mechanism, but no tools exist to measure BF in parents. We determined psychometric properties of the Diabetes Benefit Finding Scale for Parents (DBFS-P), a 16-item questionnaire adapted from the validated adolescent version. Parents of young children with T1D (n = 172) were participants in a randomized trial of an online intervention. We examined the DBFS-P factor structure through principal component analysis (PCA); internal consistency through Cronbach's alpha; convergent validity via bivariate correlations between the DBFS-P and measures of parental depression, anxiety, T1D self-efficacy, and hypoglycemia fear; and discriminant validity via bivariate correlations between the DBFS-P and measures of parental somatization and child behavior problems. PCA revealed one factor (56.47% variance) with Cronbach's α = 0.95. Convergent validity of the DBFS-P was supported by significant correlations with parental depression (r = -0.35, P < 0.001), anxiety (r = -0.20, P = 0.008), T1D self-efficacy (r = 0.36, P < 0.001), and hypoglycemia fear (r = 0.27, P < 0.001). Non-significant correlations with parental somatization (r = -0.06, P = 0.42) and child behavior problems (r = -0.12, P = 0.14) support its discriminant validity. The DBFS-P demonstrated good psychometric properties as a tool for assessing BF among caregivers.

The effect of type 1 diabetes on the developing brain

The effect of type 1 diabetes on the developing brain is a topic of primary research interest. A variety of potential dysglycaemic insults to the brain can cause cellular and structural injury and lead to altered neuropsychological outcomes. These outcomes might be subtle in terms of cognition but appear to persist into adult life. Age and circumstance at diagnosis appear to play a substantial role in potential CNS injury. A history of diabetic ketoacidosis and chronic hyperglycaemia appear to be more injurious than previously suspected, whereas a history of severe hypoglycaemia is perhaps less injurious. Neurocognitive deficits manifest across multiple cognitive domains, including executive function and speed of information processing. Some evidence suggests that subtle brain injury might directly contribute to psychological and mental health outcomes. Impaired executive function and mental health, in turn, could affect patients' adherence and the ability to make adaptive lifestyle choices. Impaired executive functioning creates a potential feedback loop of diabetic dysglycaemia leading to brain injury, further impaired executive function and mental health, which results in suboptimal adherence, and further dysglycaemia. Clinicians dealing with patients with suboptimal glycaemic outcomes should be aware of these potential issues.

Impact of Early Diabetic Ketoacidosis on the Developing Brain

OBJECTIVE

This study examined whether a history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is associated with changes in longitudinal cognitive and brain development in young children with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cognitive and brain imaging data were analyzed from 144 children with type 1 diabetes, ages 4 to <10 years, who participated in an observational study of the Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet). Participants were grouped according to history of DKA severity (none/mild or moderate/severe). Each participant had unsedated MRI scans and cognitive testing at baseline and 18 months.

RESULTS

In 48 of 51 subjects, the DKA event occurred at the time of onset, at an average of 2.9 years before study entry. The moderate/severe DKA group gained more total and regional white and gray matter volume over the observed 18 months compared with the none/mild group. When matched by age at time of enrollment and average HbA1c during the 18-month interval, participants who had a history of moderate/severe DKA compared with none/mild DKA were observed to have significantly lower Full Scale Intelligence Quotient scores and cognitive performance on the Detectability and Commission subtests of the Conners' Continuous Performance Test II and the Dot Locations subtest of the Children's Memory Scale.

CONCLUSIONS

A single episode of moderate/severe DKA in young children at diagnosis is associated with lower cognitive scores and altered brain growth. Further studies are needed to assess whether earlier diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and prevention of DKA may reduce the long-term effect of ketoacidosis on the developing brain.