Diabetes Affects Central Nervous System Earlier Than Thought, Study Finds
A groundbreaking study published in Human Movement Science has revealed that diabetes affects the central nervous system much earlier than previously thought. The research, conducted at Cruzeiro do Sul University in São Paulo, Brazil, and funded by FAPESP, suggests that diabetes can cause neurological alterations even in the early stages of the disease.
The study, led by Prof. Robert Wagner and Dr. Martin Schön at the German Diabetes Center (DDZ), measured grip force in diabetic patients while performing simple tasks. It found that diabetic patients used significantly less force to hold objects compared to healthy subjects and those with other neurological diseases. In the simplest task, the static test, diabetics used only half the force of controls due to deficient tactile information sent to the central nervous system.
The study proposes a novel device for rapid early diagnosis of neuropathy in diabetics. This device would use grip and load force as behavioral biomarkers, enabling neurologists to measure force in a straightforward test during regular visits. Healthy volunteers used between 100% and 120% of the minimum force required, while those with neurological alterations used two to three times more force. The next steps involve developing this instrumented object for use in testing and determining the optimal combination of weight and surface smoothness or roughness.
The methodology developed in this study can be used to produce equipment for clinical practice, aiding neurologists in quick and easy diagnosis of neuropathy in diabetics. This research, funded by the EFSD/Novo Nordisk Foundation Future Leaders Award, has the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose and manage diabetic neuropathy, allowing for earlier intervention and improved patient outcomes.
