Research from Queen Mary University in London found compelling evidence that type 2 diabetes is linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. The same study found that there is also evidence that type 2 diabetes may already contribute to faster disease progression in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Treating people with drugs that are already available for type 2 diabetes can reduce the risk and slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Screening for and early treatment of type 2 diabetes in Parkinson’s patients may be advisable.
Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyzes have produced conflicting results regarding the association between diabetes and the risk of Parkinson’s disease. This new study, published in the Movement Disorders Journal, used a meta-analysis of observational data and a meta-analysis of genetic data to assess the impact of type 2 diabetes on the risk and progression of Parkinson’s disease.
This study summarizes the results of many other studies to provide compelling evidence that type 2 diabetes is likely to affect not only Parkinson’s risk but also Parkinson’s progression. There are many treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes, including prevention strategies, that can be redefined for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. “
Dr. Alastair Noyce, Corresponding Author of the Study, Queen Mary University of London
Source:
Queen Mary University of London
Journal reference:
Chohan, H. et al. (2021) Type 2 Diabetes as a Determinant of Parkinson’s Risk and Progression. Movement disorders. doi.org/10.1002/mds.28551.