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Type 2 Diabetes and Cognitive Dysfunction: Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Activity Matters
Sandra Rojas Vega1, Andrea Solera-Herrera2, Ramin Vafa1
1Institute of Movement Neuroscience, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany, dshs-koeln.de.
Journal of Diabetes Research
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked to cognitive decline. Higher physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in T2DM patients correlate with better cognitive function, particularly in attention and memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant risk factor for cognitive dysfunction.
- Cognitive performance deficits are observed in individuals with T2DM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cognitive performance in individuals with T2DM.
- To examine the correlation between physical activity (PA)/fitness levels and cognitive function in T2DM patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study included 47 individuals with T2DM and 30 controls (ages 40-65, no dementia).
- Cognitive function was assessed using a neuropsychological test battery (Stroop, VLMT, CORSI, TMT).
- Physical activity (GPAQ) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CPX) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Individuals with T2DM exhibited lower cardiorespiratory fitness and more frequent cognitive performance below normative values compared to controls.
- Low physical fitness in T2DM was associated with significantly poorer cognitive inhibition, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, visuospatial memory, and memory consolidation.
- Higher cardiorespiratory fitness markers and physical activity levels correlated positively with cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
- Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity levels are positively associated with cognitive performance in both T2DM and non-diabetic individuals.
- T2DM patients demonstrated a 2-3 times higher frequency of cognitive performance below normative values compared to controls.
- Reduced aerobic fitness and physical activity levels in T2DM patients were linked to significantly impaired cognitive function, especially in attention, executive function, episodic memory, and visuospatial processing.
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