The effect of insulin on the central nervous system: insights into neurological complications and management of type 1 diabetes in the pediatric population.

Abstract

Introduction: Insulin is primarily known for its role in glucose homeostasis regulation. Since the discovery that insulin crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the year 1954, the influence of insulin on the central nervous system (CNS) has been under continuous research.

Aim of the study: The aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge about the effects of insulin on CNS function in the pediatric population with special attention to diabetes type 1.

Material and methods: The PubMed and Cochrane search engines were used in the data searching process.

Conclusions: Recent studies have shown that insulin has substantial glycemic and non-glycemic effects on the human brain. In pediatric populations, insulin's non-glycemic effects on CNS function are of particular interest due to the critical role of insulin in brain development, cognitive maturation, and learning. Therefore, children and adolescents with diabetes type 1 (T1DM), resulting in insulin deficiency and dysregulated glucose metabolism, require special attention.

Conclusions: While insulin therapy is essential for glycemic control in pediatric patients with T1DM, researchers suggest that insulin also has a crucial effect on the central nervous system (CNS), which may have implications for neurodevelopment and cognitive function in this group of patients.