Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Cognitive Abilities
It has long been well-recognized that insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) leads to the progressive microvascular complications of retinopathy, peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, and nephropathy. There is increasing evidence that morbidity and mortality secondary to these complications are reduced by scrupulous metabolic control. Such control, however, is not without risk of repeated severe hypoglycemic episodes. Also well recognized is the significant interplay of multiple primary psychologic, familial, and socioeconomic factors and the influence these factors have on metabolic control and ability of the patient to assume responsibility for self-management and quality of life.
Less well documented are the neurodevelopmental effects of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
