Reduced white matter microstructural integrity in prediabetes and diabetes: A population-based study

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Metabolic Disorders
• Public Health

Background:

• Diabetes is linked to white matter (WM) microstructural abnormalities.
• Evidence regarding prediabetes and WM integrity is limited.
• This study investigates WM integrity in prediabetes and diabetes, correlating it with glucose metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine white matter integrity in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes.
• To assess the association between white matter abnormalities and glucose metabolism.
• To identify early signs of WM damage in metabolic disorders.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cross-sectional data from the PRECISE study (n=2218).
• Analyzed white matter integrity using diffusion tensor imaging and tract-based spatial statistics.
• Employed mixed-effects multivariate linear regression to correlate WM alterations with glucose status.

Main Results:

• Microstructural abnormalities were found in local WM tracts in prediabetes with combined IFG/IGT.
• Widespread WM abnormalities were observed in diabetes.
• These abnormalities correlated with higher glucose measures.

Conclusions:

• White matter microstructural abnormalities are present even at the prediabetes stage with combined IFG/IGT.
• Preventative strategies targeting glucose metabolism are essential to protect white matter integrity.
• Early intervention can avert further white matter destruction.