Managing Cognitive Decline in Type 2 Diabetes through Early Intervention

Some studies have been conducted that shows how early intervention could help manage the cognitive decline in people with Type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), controlling symptoms such as hyperglycemia and blood pressure may help avoid impairment in the person’s cognitive functioning brought about by the disease.

One of the studies on this topic is the Maastricht Study, which is an extensive study focusing on the background of Type 2 diabetes, classic complications resulting from the disease and disorders accompanying the diagnosis such as cognitive decline, depression, and diseases (cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal).  

The participants of the study were patients previously diagnosed with different disorders such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The experiment was conducted by assessing each participant with a neuropsychological test battery. In this test battery, the hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and blood pressure are measured. Other tests were also given such as the Stroop Color Word Test, the Concept Shifting Test, and the Letter-Digit Substitution Test to assess cognitive abilities. After measuring and gathering data, the researchers found out that the participants who were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes performed the worst in all cognitive areas such as memory, speed processes, executive function, and attention in comparison to the participants with normal glucose metabolism. The researchers also associated poor performance in processing speed and executive function and attention of participants with hyperglycemia. Processing speed was also connected to high blood pressure. Memory was not explained, however, by any of the variables found in the study. The results of the study could help doctors and medical professionals detect therapeutic targets in order to prevent cognitive impairment associated with diabetes.

Other studies have also identified the correlation between acute hyperglycemia with poorer memory, attention span, information processing, and negative moods such as anxiety. It is also highlighted that a change in lifestyle could have a positive impact on the management of diabetes. According to the American Journal of Medicine, obesity is considered as a risk factor in the detection of Type 2 diabetes, but a decrease in calorie intake and increase physical activity would consequently have a positive impact on glycemic control. Metformin is also highly recommended as an initial treatment, which is then combined with a healthy diet and exercise to reduce the amount of glycemia in the body.

Another recommendation from the ADA/EASD is a patient-centered approach for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. A change in lifestyle is considered a sufficient treatment for patients’ level of AC1 close to the target presented by the doctor. If not, metformin is added to the treatment upon diagnosis.