Biochemical and morphometric methods for assessing cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes

Aim. To study the features of biochemical and morphometric parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cognitive impairment (CI).

Material and methods. The experimental group included 72 patients with CI and T2D, the control group − 20 patients with T2D and without CI. We used the Montreal Cognitive Scale (MoCA) to assess the presence of CI. We also evaluated the levels of 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and data of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results. We revealed that patients with T2D and CI have high HbA1c levels, but there was no significant difference of 1,5-AG levels between the groups. In patients with CI, we also established a decrease in gray and white matter surface area, as well as subcortical structures (the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens and putamen on both sides; the amygdala and globus pallidus on the right). The severity of CI correlated with polyneuropathy severity. In patients with proliferative retinopathy, there was a decrease in the volume of the caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen and nucleus accumbens.

 Conclusion. The study revealed that patients with T2D with CI have worse  levels  of  carbohydrate  metabolism  parameters,  as  well  as a decrease in the cortical and subcortical brain structures.

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