Glycemic Control and Diabetes Related Complications in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and ADHD

Abstract

Objective:

To assess the correlation of co-morbid ADHD and diabetes-related complications in patients with type-1-diabetes-mellitus (T1DM).

Methods:

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted during 2018 using the Leumit-Health-Services(LHS) database. Diabetes-related complications were assessed in patients with T1DM and ADHD (T1DM-ADHD+) and compared with patients with T1DM alone (T1DM-ADHD−).

Results:

Out of 789 adult-patients with T1DM, 75 (9.5%) were T1DM-ADHD+, matched to 225 T1DM-ADHD−. HbA₁C levels were higher in T1DM-ADHD+ patients (8.1% ± 1.6 vs. 7.4% ± 1.2, p < .01), as well as diabetes-related complications: neuropathy (22.7% vs. 5.8%, p < .01), ulcers (8% vs. 0.9%, p < .05), limb amputation (5.3% vs. 0.9%, p < .05), albuminuria (15.5% vs. 2.8%, p < .01), chronic renal failure (10.6% vs. 2.5%, p = .01), and emergency room admissions rate (26.7% vs. 15.1%, p < .05). In sub-analysis, lower average HbA₁C levels and diabetic ulcer rates were found among ADHD patients treated with stimulants, all p < .05.

Conclusion:

Co-morbidity of ADHD and T1DM is associated with poor glycemic control and higher complication rates.