The purpose of this research is to assess the long term effects of Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) on learning in children. It has been hypothesized that chronic fluctuations in blood sugar levels can produce cognitive deficits over time, but the use of selective clinical samples and inadequate controls has led to inconsistent findings in prior studies.
The specific aims of this study are to determine whether IDDM significantly interferes with the development of long term academic performance and to identify disease-related variables or background factors that lead to increased risk for academic problems. Recruitment will include the majority of school age children with IDDM in the state of Iowa, resulting in a large and representative sample (N>400) whose academic performance will be compared to both siblings and classmate controls on standardized achievement test administered routinely throughout the state. Both cross sectional and longitudinal comparisons will be carried out, using growth curve analyses with the longitudinal data. Objective data about the relationship between IDDM and long term cognitive functioning is particularly important if recommendations form the Diabetes Control and Complications Trials (DCCT) for stricter control of blood sugar in adults is to be extended to children. Because stricter control brings with it an increased risk for episodes of hypoglycemia, it is crucial to understand how the degree of metabolic control relates to children's long term learning. Information obtained in this study will help nurses and other health and educational professionals provide optimal care and education to families and children with IDDM.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Type
Academic Research Enhancement Awards (AREA) (R15)
Project #
1R15NR004218-01
Application #
2258273
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG4-NURS (01))
Program Officer
Armstrong, Nell
Project Start
1996-08-15
Project End
2000-08-14
Budget Start
1996-08-15
Budget End
2000-08-14
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1996
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Iowa
Department
Type
Schools of Nursing
DUNS #
041294109
City
Iowa City
State
IA
Country
United States
Zip Code
52242
McCarthy, Ann Marie; Lindgren, Scott; Mengeling, Michelle A et al. (2003) Factors associated with academic achievement in children with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care 26:112-7
McCarthy, Ann Marie; Lindgren, Scott; Mengeling, Michelle A et al. (2002) Effects of diabetes on learning in children. Pediatrics 109:E9