School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Background: Diabetic encephalopathy is a recently recognised
complication of early-onset type 1 diabetes in children. The
abnormalities underlying diabetic encephalopathy are complex and poorly
understood, and the impact of disease duration on behavioural and
cognitive parameters also remains unclear. Hence, the present study was
conducted to determine the effects of different durations of
hyperglycaemia on behavioural and cognitive parameters in young
streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced in
young, weaned, age-matched rat pups by streptozotocin injection (50
mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally). Diabetic status was confirmed on
post-natal day 30. The rats were tested in the elevated plus maze 10
and 2o days after diabetes induction. Results: Diabetic rats had
significantly impaired behavioural and cognitive functions compared
with age-matched controls. Increased anxiety levels and cognitive
deficits were observed in rats that had been diabetic for 20 days
compared with their 10-day counterparts. Conclusion: It is essential to
diagnose and treat early-onset type 1 diabetes in young children to
prevent irreversible cognitive dysfunction