Neurocognitive Effects of Type 1 Diabetes in Young Children: Indiana University Clinical Center

PROJECT SUMMARY Many individuals living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience significant cognitive impairments. These impairments are more common in people diagnosed in early childhood, particularly under 5-6-years of age, and are associated with measurable neuropathologic brain structure changes. Across the lifespan, these cognitive

difficulties can impact adaptive functioning, academic performance, and disease management. Strategies to decrease the likelihood of cognitive deficit development are needed. The study we propose in this application is designed to address current gaps in our knowledge regarding the underpinnings of neurocognitive changes in persons living with diabetes. We anticipate that it would be

implemented by a multicenter collaborative effort of pediatric endocrinologists, psychologist, and radiologists whose ultimate goals are to: 1) better understand the impact of T1D on the developing brain; 2) identify and evaluate potential risk and protective factors associated with T1D-related neurocognitive impact; and 3) assess

potential associations between use of newer and emerging diabetes management technologies and neurocognitive functioning among children with T1D. With this application we propose two aims to achieve these goals: Firstly, we propose to characterize associations of cognitive function and brain structure with clinical and environmental parameters in

children with T1D enrolled at 6-