Type 1 Diabetes is diagnosed in approximately 30 000 U.S. adults and children annually, reports the former Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). This medical condition has seen a dramatic increase in recent years.

Type 1 Diabetes affects the body’s ability to convert carbohydrates from food into fuel. Over time without treatment, the body begins to burn fat for fuel instead, releasing an acidic byproduct known as ketones. This can cause ketoacidosis, a poisoning of the body resulting from high levels of ketones, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

According to Dr. Fergus Cameron, head of diabetes services at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Victoria, Australia, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs in 20-30 percent of newly diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes patients. It has also been seen to recur in patients with diabetes management issues later on in life.

DKA that can arise as a complication in Type 1 Diabetes has been implicated in temporary brain changes in newly diagnosed children. Changes including decrease in memory and attention for at least six months after diagnosis, according to a new study released online on May 22 in Diabetes Care.

The new study included studying children and teens between ages six and 18, who had been newly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. 36 presented with DKA and 59 without. Participants had brain MRIs, memory and attention tests done at around two days, five days, 28 days and six months after diagnosis.

Results of the MRIs showed decreased grey matter volume and swelling in the white matter of children with DKA. Grey matter holds the majority of the brain’s cell bodies, responsible for the preparation of brain signalling for functions including vision, hearing, emotions, speech, conscious thought and decision-making, and memory.

Although these effects dissolved quickly, however, the children who had DKA had increased delays in memory recall and divided attention scores lasting six months or more.

Even if DKA memory and attention effects are subtle, they still harbour the risk of affecting higher-level learning tasks, according to Dr. Fergus Cameron. “…any decrement in attention or memory in children is a concern as children are acquiring new knowledge and learning new skills all the time.” he said.

Further research is required to confirm the long-term effect of DKA on Type 1 Diabetes patients.