Feature Article

The interrelationships between electroencephalography, cognition and recurrent severe hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes

Lars Hyllienmark & Tom Brismar

Diabetic Hypoglycemia January 2012, Volume 4, Issue 3: page 3-8

Abstract

Because hypoglycemia has an immediate effect on brain function, people with diabetes have reason to be concerned that repeated and severe hypoglycemia (SH) may be harmful. Studies of brain function with electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERP) have demonstrated abnormalities with, or without, an association with cognitive decline in people with type 1 diabetes. The present review focuses on the evidence for the relationship between abnormalities in EEG/ERP, cognitive impairment and recurrent episodes of SH. No consensus yet exists about the role of SH in EEG/ERP and cognitive abnormalities. One reason for this is the complexity of brain function. In addition, abnormalities in one or several EEG/ERP markers or cognitive domains may or may not be related to one another. Another difficulty is obtaining an accurate estimate of SH, especially retrospectively.

Keywords: EEG, ERP, hypoglycemia, cognitive impairment, diabetes