Type 2 diabetes associated with increased risk of Parkinson's Disease: Study

London:Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are prevalent diseases that affect an aging population. Previous systematic reviews and meta‐analyses have explored the relationship between diabetes and the risk of PD, but the results have been conflicting.

Research from Queen Mary University of London has concluded that there is convincing evidence that type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. The same study found that there was also evidence that type 2 diabetes may contribute to faster disease progression in patients who already have Parkinson's.

The study has been published in the Movement Disorders Journal.

The researchers conducted the study to evaluate and investigate T2DM as a determinant of Parkinson's Disease through a meta‐analysis of observational and genetic summary data

Treating patients with drugs already available for type 2 diabetes may reduce the risk and slow the progression of Parkinson's. Screening for and early treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients with Parkinson's may be advisable.

Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have produced conflicting results around the link between diabetes and the risk of Parkinson's disease. This new study used meta-analysis of observational data and meta-analysis of genetic data to evaluate the effect of type 2 diabetes on risk and progression of Parkinson's disease.

Corresponding author Dr Alastair Noyce from Queen Mary University of London said: "This research brings together the results from many other studies to provide convincing evidence that type 2 diabetes likely affects not only Parkinson's risk, but also Parkinson's progression. There are many treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes, including prevention strategies, which may be re-purposed for the treatment of Parkinson's."

Using meta‐analyses of traditional observational studies and genetic data, we observed convincing evidence for an effect of T2DM on Parkinsons Disease  risk and new evidence to support a role in Parkinsons Disease progression. 

For further references log on to:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mds.28551