Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes impairs memory and mobility in older adults
A recent study reveals that older adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes experience significant difficulties in several areas essential to their autonomy. The disorders mainly affect attention, long-term memory, mobility, and reflex speed. Even individuals with prediabetes—a phase where blood sugar levels begin to rise without reaching diabetic levels—show early signs of motor slowing and increased fatigue.
The study involved four groups of volunteers over 60, classified according to their glycated hemoglobin levels, an indicator of blood sugar control over several months. The results show that individuals with unregulated diabetes score lower on tests assessing attention and the ability to recall information after a delay. Their performance is also poorer in mobility tasks, such as standing up from a chair, walking a short distance, and turning around, especially when these tasks are combined with another cognitive or motor activity. Their foot reaction times, measured by a simple test, are also slower than those of healthy individuals or those with well-managed diabetes.
Fatigue, whether physical or mental, is more pronounced in participants with prediabetes or diabetes compared to others. This phenomenon may be explained by metabolic imbalances linked to poor blood sugar regulation, which affect both body and mind. Researchers also observed that fasting blood sugar levels differ significantly between groups, confirming that glycemic status plays a key role in these differences.
Cognitive and motor impairments are not limited to severe cases of diabetes. Early warning signs, such as slowed reflexes, appear as early as the prediabetes stage. This suggests that the harmful effects on brain and physical functions begin long before the disease is officially diagnosed. If not detected early, these disorders can reduce the ability to perform daily activities, increase the risk of falls, and ultimately diminish quality of life.
The underlying mechanisms include damage to small and large blood vessels, increased inflammation, and oxidative stress—processes that disrupt the normal functioning of the brain and muscles. These changes, combined with natural aging, worsen the challenges faced by seniors, limiting their independence and well-being.
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Original Publication
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-026-04483-z
Title: The effects of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus on cognitive status, physical function, and fatigue in older adults: a case-control study
Journal: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Authors: Kevser Gürsan; Emre Cengi̇z; Elif Gür Kabul; Atilla Okan Kılıç; Merve Uçar Toros; Bora Toros