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Updated: May 13, 2026
08:01
A Method for Manipulating Blood Glucose and Measuring Resulting Changes in Cognitive Accessibility of Target Stimuli
Published on: August 12, 2016
Long-Term Glycemic Exposure, Control Status and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study
Shuyao Su1, Shiyu Zhou1,2, Tao Zhou1
1Department of Epidemiology, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism
|May 11, 2026
Summary
High cumulative fasting blood glucose (cumFBG) negatively impacts cognitive function in older adults, particularly attention. Sustained glycemic control in diabetics helps maintain cognitive health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Long-term glycemic exposure is a critical factor in aging-related cognitive decline.
- Understanding the relationship between glycemic control and cognitive function is vital for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cumulative fasting blood glucose (cumFBG), glycemic variability, and cognitive function in older adults.
- To assess the impact of glycemic control status on cognitive performance in individuals with diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 26,108 participants in the Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China project.
- Calculated 10-year cumFBG and glycemic variability, identifying FBG trajectories.
- Assessed global and domain-specific cognition using Mini-Mental State Examination, analyzing associations with regression models.
Main Results:
- Nonlinear association found between cumFBG and global cognition/cognitive impairment.
- Higher cumFBG (≥1260 mg/dL×year) linked to lower cognitive scores and increased impairment risk.
- Attention was most susceptible to declines; increasing FBG trajectories exacerbated impairment risk.
- Consistent glycemic control in diabetics preserved cognitive function comparable to non-diabetics.
Conclusions:
- Elevated cumFBG, especially with increasing trends, adversely affects cognitive function in older adults.
- Sustained glycemic control is crucial for mitigating the negative impact of diabetes on cognition.
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