December 10, 2025

@michaelokun

Does diabetes sometimes meet Parkinson’s? What is the science revealing about their connections? How could the connections change treatment? Yong Peng and colleagues describe in a new paper in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders how diabetes and Parkinson’s disease share biological pathways and may influence each other’s course(s). They tackle the emerging area of diabetes drugs as potential disease modifying treatments for Parkinson’s. Key Points: - The authors explore whether shared mechanisms can shape disease? Diabetes and Parkinson’s may intersect through inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance, potentially creating vulnerability in brain and in body systems. - The authors point out that diabetes increases Parkinson’s risk. Folks w/ diabetes face a higher chance of developing Parkinson’s and may experience faster motor and cognitive decline. - The authors explore the area of diabetes drugs for Parkinson’s. Medications such as GLP1 receptor agonists, DPP4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and metformin have all been of interest as potential disease modifiers. My take: It is clear to me that we need to better understand the relationship between diabetes and Parkinson’s. This article sparked a lot of thought for me and 5 points resonated: 1- We need to better appreciate that diabetes stresses the brain. Chronic high blood sugar could possibly inflame and exhaust dopamine pathways that are already at risk in Parkinson’s. 2- We need to appreciate that insulin resistance affects brain health. When the brain cannot use insulin properly, neurons struggle to make energy and to stay resilient. 3- We need to recognize that good glucose control matters. Well-managed diabetes has been linked to the potential for slower worsening of thinking and movement symptoms. 4- We need to appreciate that some diabetes medicines may protect neurons. GLP1 agonists, DPP4 inhibitors and metformin have shown early promise for calming inflammation and for supporting struggling brain circuits. 5- We need to embrace that improving our care for both conditions can improve independence. #michaelokun #fixelinstitute #parkinson