Cognitive Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Correlation with Glycemic Control

Abstract

Objective:  The study was conducted to evaluate the association between long-term glycemic control and cognitive function in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods:  A prospective observational study was conducted over six months from January to June 2024 at the Departments of Neurology and Internal Medicine, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. A total of 200 patients aged 40 to 75 years with established T2DM were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool after cultural adaptation. Glycemic control was measured by HbA1c levels. Patients with psychiatric illness, stroke, dementia, or medications affecting cognition were excluded. The association between HbA1c and cognitive function was tested using Pearson correlation with significance at p >0.05.

Conclusion:  Poor glycemic control was strongly associated with cognitive dysfunction in T2DM. Routine cognitive screening is recommended in patients with poor metabolic control and longer disease duration.