A study from South Korea has shown that individuals with type 2 diabetes who take a type of diabetes drug called SGLT2 inhibitors may have a lower risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The study was conducted by Minyoung Lee, MD, PhD, of Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, and her colleagues. They found that SGLT2 inhibitors could potentially reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases due to their unique pharmacological action, which increases urinary glucose excretion and leads to reduced insulin levels and elevated ketone bodies in the body.
Consultant neurologist Steve Allder, MD, who was not involved in the research, suggests that the neuroprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors are likely multifaceted, involving cardiovascular, metabolic, and cellular effects. These drugs may reduce risk factors associated with dementia and Parkinson’s disease, such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, and heart failure. By improving cardiovascular health, SGLT2 inhibitors can help prevent cerebrovascular damage and neurodegeneration.
The researchers analyzed data from a cohort of 358,862 participants with type 2 diabetes, looking at the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on the risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions. They found that participants who took SGLT2 inhibitors had a 21% reduction in the risk of developing all-cause dementia, a 20% decrease in Parkinson’s disease, and a 19% decrease in Alzheimer’s disease. There was also a 31% lower risk of vascular dementia among individuals taking SGLT2 inhibitors.
Neurologist Daniel Truong, MD, who was not involved in the study, noted that the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors were particularly pronounced in younger populations under 65 or 70 years old. This suggests the importance of early intervention in high-risk individuals with type 2 diabetes. While the results are promising, the study is observational and further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
The study authors emphasize that while there are potential benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes taking SGLT2 inhibitors, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the reduced risk of neurodegenerative conditions. Lee mentioned that she is currently engaged in research using a mouse model of dementia associated with metabolic disorders to explore how SGLT2 inhibitors positively affect neurodegenerative diseases. Future studies will aim to elucidate these effects and determine the long-term impact of these drugs on reducing the risk of neurological diseases.
