OBJECTIVETo study the changes in cognitive function of children with type 1 diabetes and explore the possible factors influencing cognitive function.

METHODSThirty-two children with type 1 diabetes (disease course equal to or more than one year) and aged from 6 to 16 years, were enrolled in this study. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Chinese Wechsler Intelligence Scale. Factors influencing cognitive function were investigated using multiple regression analysis. Thirty-two age- and gender-matched healthy children served as the control group.

RESULTSVerbal intelligence quotient in the diabetic group was significantly lower than in the control group (97±15 vs 118±13; P<0.01). Full intelligence quotient in the diabetic group was also lower than in the control group (99±15 vs 113±12; P<0.01). In the verbal scale test, a sub-test of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, scores in knowledge, category, comprehension, arithmetics and vocabulary scale in the diabetic group were significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that glycosylated hemoglobin level was significantly negatively with full, verbal and operation intelligence quotients in diabetic children (r=-5.64, -7.29, -3.00 respectively; P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSType 1 diabetes may affect adversely children's verbal intelligence quotient, resulting in a decreased full intelligence quotient. Glycosylated hemoglobin may be an independent risk factor for cognitive function in diabetic children.