Association between diabetes self-management skills and cognitive function in individuals with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of cognitive function through multiple metabolic and vascular mechanisms. Evidence on the association between diabetes self-management skills and cognitive function in individuals with T2DM remains limited.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between diabetes self-management and cognitive function among individuals with T2DM and to identify factors associated with cognitive function.

A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with 170 adults with T2DM at a public hospital in Ankara, Türkiye. Data were collected between June 2024 and January 2025 using a Participant Information Form, the Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Scale (T2DM-SMS), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to assess cognitive function. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression.

The mean T2DM-SMS score was 58.84 ± 12.58, and the mean MMSE score was 17.77 ± 5.13. Diabetes self-management was positively correlated with cognitive function (r = 0.50, p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that diabetes self-management remained independently associated with MMSE scores after adjustment for age, gender, and diabetes-related complications (β = 0.12, p < 0.001). Older age was independently associated with lower MMSE scores (β = -0.17, p < 0.001), whereas male participants had significantly higher MMSE scores than female participants (β = 1.59, p = 0.006).

Better diabetes self-management was independently associated with better cognitive function among individuals with T2DM. Integrating cognitive assessment and individualised self-management education into diabetes care may support early identification and help preserve cognitive function and improve long-term outcomes.