15-Sensory and cognitive processing of visual stimuli in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Electrophysiological study

Abstract

To quantify objectively visual processing and executive functions in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) we evaluated electrophysiological markers of brain response in the oddball task (P3b component) and to the pattern-reversal stimulation (P100 wave). While P100 wave indicates, with a millisecond accuracy, visual sensory processing, the P3b reflects key elements of the executive control like an attention, a short-term visual working memory, and a decision-making. The peak time of the P100 wave in adolescents with T1D and without diabetic retinopathy (10 males, 12 females, 12–18 years) was significantly prolonged compared to a group of controls (8 males, 11 females, 10–21 years) p 0.066). In spite that peak time and amplitude of the P3b component did not diverge significantly, we found an enlarged area under curve of the P3b for patients (p = 0.035). There were no differences for the visual acuity, reaction time or task accuracy. Our study did show differences between groups in electrophysiological responses, in spite of no differences in their behavioral performance. Supported by MH CZ - DRO (UHHK). J. K. was supported by the Charles University project POGRES Q40/07.