The neuropsychological functioning of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is of key importance to the effectiveness of the therapy, which, in its complexity, requires a great deal of knowledge, attention, and commitment. Intellectual limitations make it difficult to achieve the optimal metabolic balance, and a lack of this alignment can contribute to the further deterioration of cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to provide a narrative review of the current state of knowledge regarding the influence of diabetes on brain structure and functions during childhood and also to present possible actions to optimize intellectual development in children with T1D. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature using selected keywords. The results were summarized using a narrative synthesis. Disturbances in glucose metabolism during childhood may have a lasting negative effect on the development of the brain and related cognitive functions. To optimize intellectual development in children with diabetes, it is essential to prevent disorders of the central nervous system by maintaining peri-normal glycemic levels. Based on the performed literature review, it seems necessary to take additional actions, including repeated neuropsychological evaluation with early detection of any cognitive dysfunctions, followed by the development of individual management strategies and the training of appropriate skills, together with complex, multidirectional environmental support.

Introduction: Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) is complex and requires frequent glucose monitoring, insulin dosing, and lifestyle adjustments to attain appropriate metabolic control. These self-management tasks demand intact cognitive and executive functions, particularly attention. Attention deficits in children and adolescents with T1D have been associated with poor metabolic control and an increased risk of complications. However, research into cognitive performance within this population remains limited. We evaluated attention abilities in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared to healthy controls.Materials and Methods: The study included 209 children (77 females), comprising 115 with T1D (54 females) and 94 healthy controls (23 females). The mean age of T1D patients was 12.95 years (SD 3.11), with an average disease duration of 5.22 years (SD 3.95). Cognitive functions were assessed using the MOXO Continuous Performance Test (MOXO-CPT), which evaluates attention-related parameters including sustained attention, reaction time, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The relationship between cognitive performance and clinical parameters, including HbA1c level, treatment methods, glycemic monitoring, and disease duration, was analyzed.Results: Children with T1D demonstrated significantly lower sustained attention scores, slower reaction times, and worse hyperactivity levels than controls. Impulsivity did not differ significantly. Patients with HbA1c levels greater than 8% showed noticeably poorer attention performance. Gender, disease duration, treatment method, and type of glycemic monitoring were not associated with attention outcomes.Conclusions: Children and adolescents with T1D exhibit worse neurocognitive performance, particularly in attention, compared to healthy peers. Poor metabolic control is linked to attention deficits. Routine cognitive screening of children and adolescents with T1D may enhance disease management and highlight the need for additional support in therapeutic tasks.

Anemia in patients with diabetes is not scarce and may contribute to the complications of the disease. The risk of iron deficiency parameters in child sufferers of diabetes type 1, observed in studies, can lead to cognitive impairment. The aim of the study was to determine whether children and adolescents with diabetes type 1, in whom reduced ferric parameters are observed in control tests, may also show reduced cognitive performance. The study included 100 children with diabetes type 1 at the age of 6–17 years. During control tests, patients’ morphological blood parameters were measured: red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC volume, the molar mass of hemoglobin in RBC (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin in RBC and iron concentrations in serum using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-R). Results in the group of children with a diabetes type 1 significantly lower concentration of three ferric parameters affect the non-verbal intelligence measured with WISC-R. The prevalence of reduced ferric parameters justifies further screening in all children with diabetes type 1 and taking up appropriate preventive measures to reduce the risk of their occurrence.

Objective: Numerous studies have highlighted the prevalence of mental health disorders among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, with varying indications of emotional strain. This study compares the psychological functioning of healthcare workers at the onset of the pandemic and two years later, offering a comprehensive assessment of their emotional and mental health status in the evolving context of COVID-19. Methods: This longitudinal analysis examined the relationship between stress, emotional processing, and their positive/negative impacts on medical personnel working in Polish hospitals and outpatient clinics in 2020 (n = 285) and 2022 (n = 252). The study employed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Mini-COPE, Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Emotional Processing Scale (EPS), STAI, and PANAS to assess psychological responses and coping mechanisms. Results: Findings revealed a significant increase in denial, substance use, self-blame, negative mood, and impaired psychological and somatic functioning, alongside heightened symptoms of depression and anxiety. Conversely, a marked decrease in planning, positive reinterpretation, acceptance, religious coping, and seeking social support (both emotional and instrumental) was observed over the two-year period. Conclusion: The prolonged nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the psychological resilience of healthcare professionals, eroding critical emotional resources necessary for maintaining interpersonal relationships and mental well-being. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to support the mental health of medical staff in the ongoing crisis.

The mental health consequences of war on children are well-documented, with early research emphasizing the critical role of caregiver presence in mitigating trauma. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine presents a novel context, requiring renewed investigation of the differential impact of direct war exposure and displacement on child and adolescent well-being. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 222 participants aged 7–21 years from Poland, Ukraine, and displaced Ukrainian populations (March 2024–March 2025, Poland/Ukraine). Depressive and trauma symptoms were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Results showed that trauma symptoms linked to war witnessing varied by gender, country, and hobbies, with displaced children exhibiting the highest co-occurrence of depression and trauma. Engaging in hobbies was associated with fewer and weaker symptoms, suggesting a protective effect. This study underscores the urgent need for preventive mental health interventions targeting children affected by the war. Our findings suggest that displaced children are at particularly high risk for depression, highlighting the importance of early screening and intervention. Specifically, we propose implementing school-based programs in regions hosting refugees that incorporate hobby engagement, trauma-informed care training for teachers and caregivers, and family-based interventions to address cultural integration.