# Three Cases of a Specific Learning Disorder Diagnosed at the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes

## TL;DR

Three boys with type 2 diabetes also had learning disorders and ADHD, suggesting a link between neurodevelopmental issues and diabetes risk.

## Contribution

Highlights a potential association between neurodevelopmental disorders and childhood-onset type 2 diabetes.

## Key findings

- All three cases had type 2 diabetes, obesity, and coexisting neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Executive dysfunction and inattentive-type ADHD may contribute to both diabetes and learning disabilities.
- The cases suggest a need for awareness of neurodevelopmental disorders in children with type 2 diabetes.

## Abstract

In children with type 2 diabetes, obesity is a particularly significant risk factor. Additionally, obesity has been reported to be particularly prevalent in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, attributed to various potential causes. We present three pediatric cases diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, all of whom also had dysgraphia, a specific learning disability, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with predominantly inattentive symptoms. The cases involved three male children aged 11-14 years. All had a tendency toward obesity since early childhood, had poor weight control, and were later diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. All of them exhibited learning difficulties, and psychological testing revealed coexisting dysgraphia and ADHD. Additionally, Case 1 had autism spectrum disorder, and Cases 2 and 3 had developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Further testing revealed executive function disorders in all cases.

Associations between neurodevelopmental disorders and obesity, and between ADHD and executive dysfunction, have been previously reported. In all cases, it is plausible that obesity progressed and led to the development of type 2 diabetes due to the characteristics of the neurodevelopmental disorders and the associated executive dysfunction. Additionally, the presence of inattentive-type ADHD, impaired visual cognition in Case 1, and DCD in Cases 2 and 3 may have contributed to the development of dysgraphia. While some reports suggest a genetic association between dyslexia and type 2 diabetes, the factors contributing to dysgraphia are diverse, and the genetic link remains unclear. These cases suggest that childhood-onset type 2 diabetes may be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and executive function deficits. Therefore, clinicians and caregivers should be mindful of the coexistence of neurodevelopmental disorders so that these children receive the appropriate diagnosis and support.