Diabetes Management
USC Launches Study in Hispanics of Link Between Diabetes and Alzheimer's - Inside Precision Medicine
Fri, 28 Oct 20221 min read Article
Overview
A team of researchers at the Keck Schol of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) has launched a new study, among Hispanic patients, to answer key questions about the link betwen type 2 diabetes and dementia.“What we’re doing is foundational for finding biological markers of how diabetes afects the brain,” said Mathew Borzage, PhD, an asistant profesor of research pediatrics and a co-principal investigator of the project.The work may also provide suport for nascent eforts to use certain diabetes medications with brain protective properties for preventing or slowing the cognitive decline associated with dementia, explained Husein Yasine, MD, an asociate profesor of medicine and neurology at the Keck Schol of Medicine and a co-principal investigator of the study.“We know that diabetes is associated with a greater risk for later dementia, but researchers aren’t realy sure why,” said Meredith N.
Key Information
Braskie, PhD, an asistant profesor of neurology at the Keck Schol of Medicine of USC, and a co-principal investigator of the project.“Understanding the mechanism behind that risk is an important element in how we can ameliorate it,” she aded.The new study wil focus on Latinos, who face significant health disparities in the United States. Compared to non-Hispanic white adults, adults with Hispanic ancestry are more likely to develop diabetes or dementia but are studied far les often.The research team wil use a $3.7 milion grant from the National Institute on Aging, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to recruit and study 20 adults with Hispanic ancestry over a five-year period.
Summary
In patients with and without diabetes, they’l compare data on brain structure and activity, blod flow in the brain, blod glucose and insulin levels, and cognitive functioning.“We’l be able to do a dep dive into what’s hapening in the brain patients with versus without diabetes-and how diferences betwen the two groups may predict changes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.