Category: Neurological

Type 1 diabetes associated with higher risk of dementia

A study published March 18 2026 in Neurology (American Academy of Neurology) found that people with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of developing dementia — nearly three times higher than people without diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was also linked to higher risk, about twice as high as those without diabetes.

The research involved 283,772 people (average age 64), including 5,442 with type 1 diabetes and 51,511 with type 2 diabetes, followed for about 2.4 years. During that period, 2.6% of those with type 1 diabetes developed dementia, compared with 1.8% of those with type 2 diabetes and 0.6% of those without diabetes. After adjusting for factors like age and education, the authors estimate roughly 65% of dementia cases among people with type 1 diabetes could be attributed to the condition.

Study author Jennifer Weuve noted that while type 1 diabetes is rare (≈5% of diabetes cases), people with it are living longer, so understanding its link to dementia is increasingly important. The study shows an association, not causation, and its limitation is that diagnoses came from electronic health records and surveys, which may miss some cases.

Breakthrough in Diabetic Nerve Damage Treatment

Researchers at the University of Cologne have discovered a possible therapeutic approach to treat diabetic nerve damage. The study found that a protein called p35 accumulates in nerve cells, blocking the regrowth of nerve fibres. By targeting this protein, the team developed peptides that can increase nerve regeneration in diabetic mice, improving motor and sensory functions.

New Discovery Could Lower Heart Attack and Stroke Risk for People with Type 2 Diabetes

Researchers at the University of Sydney have made a groundbreaking discovery that could potentially lower the risk of heart attack and stroke for people with type 2 diabetes. The study found that a protein called SEC61B is significantly increased in the platelets of people with type 2 diabetes, making them more prone to forming blood clots.

The Role of SEC61B in Blood Clotting

The researchers discovered that SEC61B disrupts calcium balance inside platelets, leading to increased platelet activity and clotting. By blocking SEC61B activity with an antibiotic called anisomycin, the researchers were able to reduce platelet clumping in human samples and animal models.

Potential Treatment Opportunities

This discovery opens up new opportunities for treatment and could potentially lead to the development of new therapies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers believe that pre-clinical trials in animals could begin within 1-2 years, with potential therapies for patients on the horizon in the next decade.

Impact on Type 2 Diabetes Management

This breakthrough could have a significant impact on the management of type 2 diabetes, particularly for individuals who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. By targeting SEC61B, researchers may be able to develop new treatments that can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes.