Relationship between glycemic control and cognitive function in patients with type 2 diabetes in a hospital aged care unit

ObjectivesTo examine the association between glycemic control and the degree of cognitive impairment in older patients with type 2 diabetes. Our hypothesis is less cognitive impairment is associated with better glycemic control.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingPatients in subacute aged care unit at Heidelberg Repatriation hospital in Melbourne, Australia.ParticipantsA total of 142 subjects aged 63 to 96 with prior diagnosed type 2 diabetes.MethodsCognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and glycemic control was measured by a validated method.ResultsAn inverse correlation was observed between the MMSE score and HbA1c levels (r = 0.239, P = 0.004), which persisted after controlling for variables of interest including age, gender, BMI, diabetes duration, years of education and other co-morbidities. A 1-point-higher MMSE score was associated with a 0.239 lower HbA1c value (P = 0.001).ConclusionThis study suggests that better glycemic control is associated with less cognitive impairment in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.