Impact of Treatment Modality on Cognition in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Strategic Insights -

A study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care has found a significant relationship between the treatment modality for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cognitive functions in older adults. The research concluded that compared to insulin, oral hypoglycaemic agent (OHA) treatment has a beneficial effect on cognition in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study also highlighted the importance of managing diabetes through self-management activities that require adequate cognitive abilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved a cross-sectional hospital-based study of 134 older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a mean age of 68.06 + 6.29 years.
  • The research utilized the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Trail-Making B test, F-A-S fluency, and categorical fluency test to assess cognitive functions.
  • The study found that OHA treatment resulted in significantly better glycaemic control than insulin treatment (p < 0.05).
  • The study also found a significant positive relationship between OHA treatment and cognitive functions in the elderly, as measured by the MMSE (β = 0.42, p < 0.01).
  • The study's findings have important implications for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in older adults, highlighting the need for effective self-management strategies that address both cognitive functions and glycaemic control.

Statistics:

  • Mean age of participants: 68.06 + 6.29 years
  • Total number of participants: 134
  • Percentage of participants with better glycaemic control on OHA treatment: 75.4%
  • p-value for difference in glycaemic control between OHA and insulin treatment: ≤ 0.05
  • Correlation coefficient for relationship between OHA treatment and cognitive functions: β = 0.42 (p < 0.01)

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Findings from King George's Medical University in the Area of Type 2 Diabetes Reported (Impact of treatment modality on cognition in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus). Diabetes Week. October 13, 2025; p 260.
  • Tripathi SM, et al. (2025). Impact of treatment modality on cognition in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 14(8), 3444-3450.