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. 2010 Oct;33(10):2169-74.
doi: 10.2337/dc10-0389. Epub 2010 Jun 23.

Relationships between daily acute glucose fluctuations and cognitive performance among aged type 2 diabetic patients

Maria Rosaria Rizzo  1 , Raffaele Marfella, Michelangela Barbieri, Virginia Boccardi, Francesco Vestini, Biagio Lettieri, Silvestro Canonico, Giuseppe Paolisso
Affiliations

Relationships between daily acute glucose fluctuations and cognitive performance among aged type 2 diabetic patients

Maria Rosaria Rizzo et al. Diabetes Care. 2010 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) is a significant determinant of overall metabolic control as well as increased risk for diabetes complications. Older individuals with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have moderate cognitive deficits and structural changes in brain tissue. Considering that poor metabolic control is considered a deranging factor for cognitive performance in diabetic patients, we evaluated whether the contributions of MAGE to cognitive status in older patients with type 2 diabetes were independent from the main markers of glycemic control, such as sustained chronic hyperglycemia (A1C), postprandial glycemia (PPG), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG).

Research design and methods: In 121 older patients with type 2 diabetes, 48-h continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring (CSGM) were assessed. MAGE and PPG were evaluated during CSGM. The relationship of MAGE to performance on cognitive tests was assessed, with adjustment for age, glycemic control markers, and other determinants of cognitive status. The cognitive tests were a composite score of executive and attention functioning and the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE).

Results: MAGE was significantly correlated with MMSE (r = 0.83; P < 0.001) and with cognition composite score (r = 0.68; P < 0.001). Moreover, MAGE was associated with the MMSE (P < 0.001) and cognition composite score (P < 0.001) independently of age, sex, BMI, waist-to-hip (WHR) ratio, drug intake, physical activity, mean arterial blood pressure, FPG, PPG, and A1C.

Conclusions: MAGE during a daily period was associated with an impairment of cognitive functioning independent of A1C, FPG, and PPG. The present data suggest that interventional trials in older patients with type 2 diabetes should target not only A1C, PPG, and FPG but also daily acute glucose swings.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A: Relationship between MMSE and MAGE. B: Relationship between cognitive composite score and MAGE.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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