Diabetes mellitus in Parkinson`s disease patients

PURPOSE: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease affecting approximately 5 million people worldwide. Some studies have found out an association between PD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMT2). Their results suggest a common pathophysiologic pathway. Other authors fail to establish any link between these two diseases. The aim of the present study is to search for a potential association between DMT2 and PD.MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated the medical records of 85 patients, 45 males and 40 females, aged 68.02±9.02 (range, 40-87) years and with disease duration of 4.98±..96 (range, 1-18) years. They were diagnosed as PD according to the United Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank Diagnostic Criteria and hospitalized for a two-year period.RESULTS: We established a prevalence of DMT2 in PD patients of 18.8%. We discussed the potential relationships between these two disorders of great medical, social and economic impact. Insulin levels contribute to normal brain function.CONCLUSION: The history of DMT2 or the use of antidiabetic drugs might be a risk factor for PD.Scripta Scientifica Medica 2013; 45(1): 79-81.