The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society published an article discussing the impact of Type 2 diabetes on Parkinson’s disease. Both of these diseases affect an aging population and although studies have explored the relationship between the two diseases, results have been conflicting. The objective of their study was to investigate Type 2 diabetes with Parkinson’s disease progression.

At the end of the study, it was observed that convincing evidence from the highest-quality observational studies, that Type 2 Diabetes is associated with an increased Parkinson’s Disease risk, and some evidence indicates it may contribute to faster Parkinson’s Disease motor and cognitive progression.

Obviously, more research is needed to be conclusive and as with everything we do today, things may change. However, it might be something to share with your medical director and attending physicians as many of the residents in post-acute care do have Type 2 diabetes. Wouldn’t it be great if research could tell us how to manage the two disease processes and avoid physical and cognitive decline? Stay tuned, I have a feeling someone is looking into this already, thanks to the many researchers out there! Stay the course, stay well, mask up, roll up your sleeve and stay tuned!