Episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) in teenagers with type 1 diabetes do not appear to reduce mental acuity over the long term, according to new research. The current study is a follow-up of patients who were 13 to 19 years old during their enrollment 18 years ago in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, a study that proved good blood glucose control can stave off diabetic complications in people with type 1. Since tight control increases the incidence of severe hypoglycemia, doctors were concerned that hypoglycemia-associated seizures, confusion, and comas would negatively impact developing brains, but this was not the case. However, the study did suggest there is a decline in mental ability for those with poor blood glucose control, as measured by high A1Cs.
Source: Diabetes Care, October 2008