Neuropsychological and Neuroanatomical Studies of Young Children With and Without Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Neuropsychological and Neuroanatomical Studies of Young Children With and Without Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

This study is being conducted to see if Type 1 diabetes mellitus has any affect on learning, behavior and development in young children and whether there are associated changes on their MRI scan.

In this pilot study approximately 10-20 children between the ages of 3 to 10 years with Type 1 diabetes mellitus will have neuropsychological testing and a nonsedated MRI scan of the head performed every three years for three years. We will compare this to a control group of 10 children between the ages of 3 adn 10 years without Type 1 diabetes mellitus. The control subjects will neuropsychological testing and a nonsedated MRI scan of the head once. The children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus will not have any changes made to their current diabetes regimen.

Inclusion Criteria:

Inclusion Criteria for study subjects:

• To be between ages 3 to 10 years
• Have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for at least 6 months; and
• Do not have plans to move out of the area within the next 36 months.

Inclusion Criteria for control subjects:

• To be between ages 3 to 10 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• No history of head trauma with any loss of consciousness,
• Cystic fibrosis,
• Prematurity (born less than 30 weeks of gestation),
• Significant developmental delay (lack of single word speech or ability to walk independently by 18 months of age),
• Neurologic disease independent of diabetes (eg seizure disorder); or
• Medical contraindication to MRI procedure (eg metal appliances such as braces).