Les hypoglycémies chez les diabétiques âgés : conséquences sur les fonctions cognitives

Diabetes and dementia, which have a complex relationship between them, are undergoing extensive growth. The occurrence of hypoglycemia, which some recent studies have pointed out the potential severity, must be included in these relationships. In fact, diabetes is the cause of decline in cognitive functions and most certainly is involved in the occurrence of vascular dementia. The brain, which is highly dependent on glucose for its metabolism, is particularly vulnerable to hypoglycemia especially in the elderly. Animal studies and pathoanatomical observations confirm the clinical impression of the reality of genuine post-hypoglycemic encephalopathy. The impact of mild hypoglycemia however is being debated. Lastly, the existence of dementia promotes the occurrence of hypoglycemia due to eating habit-related disorders or poor treatment management. This hypoglycemic risk however must not constitute a pretext for an exaggerated laxity in the blood glucose objectives.