A study conducted by Michigan Medicine revealed that the longer a person has type 2 diabetes, the greater the likelihood of changes occurring in the brain’s structure, including a reduction in cortical thickness and gray matter volumes. Even though no noticeable differences in cognition were observed between those with and without diabetes, complications such as chronic kidney disease and vascular harm connected to diabetes were found to be tied to these alterations in the brain.
The study found that the longer someone has type 2 diabetes, the higher the probability they will show changes in the structure of the brain.
In a detailed study of 51 middle-aged Pima American Indians diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the team utilized the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, a collection of memory and language evaluations developed by the National Institutes of Health, in conjunction with MRI scans to explore the connection between diabetes, cognitive functioning, and brain composition.
The brain scans indicated that participants with a longer history of type 2 diabetes displayed reduced mean cortical thickness and gray matter volumes and an increase in the volume of white matter hyperintensities.
According to researchers, the MRI findings point to the detrimental impacts that prolonged diabetes might have on brain health, underlining the necessity to prevent type 2 diabetes at an early stage.
The cognitive abilities of those with type 2 diabetes in the study did not differ from those without the condition, as noted in the published results in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology.
Evan Reynolds, Ph.D., the lead author, emphasized that this is one of the initial studies to associate changes in brain structure with the duration of diabetes, and he pointed out the necessity for early screening for cognitive disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes to enhance care and quality of life.
The study also found a link between diabetes-related complications such as chronic kidney disease and structural changes in the brain, aligning with other research that showed diabetic complications increased the chance of developing cognitive disorders in middle-aged individuals.
Interestingly, researchers noted that neuropathy, affecting up to 50% of diabetic individuals, was not linked to cognitive function in the study.
Senior author Dr. Eva Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., stressed the importance of this study in understanding the impact of diabetes on brain health and emphasized the critical need to prevent these conditions in individuals with type 2 diabetes to preserve brain health. The team is committed to educating the public about the risks diabetes poses to maintaining a healthy brain.
The article, titled “Association between brain health outcomes and metabolic risk factors in persons with diabetes,” was published on 30 July 2023 in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology and features contributions from various experts.
Dr. Pop-Busui and Dr. Callaghan have affiliations with Novo Nordisk and the American Academy of Neurology, among other organizations.
The research was funded by various institutes and organizations, including the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health, and others.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about type 2 diabetes
What does the Michigan Medicine study reveal about type 2 diabetes?
The study uncovers that the longer a person suffers from type 2 diabetes, the more likely they are to exhibit changes in brain structure, such as decreased cortical thickness and gray matter volumes. This emphasizes the importance of early prevention of type 2 diabetes.
How were the effects of type 2 diabetes on the brain studied?
Researchers analyzed 51 middle-aged Pima American Indians diagnosed with type 2 diabetes using the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery and MRI scans. They observed alterations in brain structure including decreased cortical thickness, gray matter volumes, and increased white matter hyperintensities.
Did the study find any difference in cognition between diabetic and non-diabetic individuals?
No, the study found no discernible difference in cognitive function between individuals with type 2 diabetes and those without the condition.
What implications does this research have for patient care?
The research provides evidence for the need for early screening for cognitive disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes to improve patient care and quality of life. It also stresses the need for public education about the risks that diabetes poses to brain health.
Are there any associated complications linked to these brain changes?
Yes, complications like chronic kidney disease and vascular damage in diabetes are linked to the observed brain changes.
Were there any surprising findings in the study?
Researchers were surprised to find that neuropathy, which affects up to 50% of people with diabetes, was not associated with cognitive function in the study.
More about type 2 diabetes
- Michigan Medicine
- National Institutes of Health
- Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- American Academy of Neurology
5 comments
Great study, but what’s the solution? Need more info on how to stop these changes; if anyone has any advice?
didn’t know that brain could change cause of diabetes. its scaring me, time to take health seriously
This studies pretty alarming. never thought diabetes could effect the brain like this, we need more awareness.
My father has type 2 diabetes; I’m worried about his brain health now. Should have looked into early prevention.
MRI scans and such a detailed analysis is impressive. How can regular people get access to such tests? where’s the link between neuropathy and cognitive function.