Why is the research needed?
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and dementia are two of the most common chronic conditions in later life, and they are closely linked. Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, while cognitive impairment makes it more difficult for individuals to manage their diabetes effectively.
This bidirectional relationship can lead to harmful consequences. Poor diabetes management may result in episodes of high or low blood glucose (hyper- or hypoglycaemia), which can in turn worsen cognitive decline and disease progression.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) has transformed how glucose variability can be monitored and managed in people with type 2 diabetes. While CGM has been shown to reduce hypoglycaemic events in older adults, its benefits in people with cognitive impairment or dementia, particularly in hospital settings remain unclear, which we address in this study.
What are we doing?
Our study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for people living with type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment. We will explore the relationship between glucose variability, cognition, and clinical outcomes.
During this feasibility study, participants will wear a continuous glucose monitoring sensor for up to 10 days, they will complete a range of cognitive assessments and questionnaires, and they will be required to provide blood samples for analysis of proteins associated with dementia.
How are we working with communities, services and organisations?
The study is conducted in a hospital in-patient setting, working directly with patients with type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment. It is delivered through collaboration between Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia and clinical services involved in inpatient diabetes and cognitive care. This ensures that the research is embedded within real-world healthcare environments and aligned with clinical needs.
What will the impact and benefits of this research be?
The research will provide evidence on whether Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is feasible and acceptable in people with type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment in hospital settings. It will also improve our understanding of how glucose variability relates to cognitive function and clinical outcomes.
The study aims to improve the management of blood glucose in vulnerable patients, reduces the occurrence of hypoglycaemic events, which are linked to falls and poorer outcomes and will inform future interventions to improve both diabetes care and cognitive health.
What do we have planned for knowledge mobilisation and implementation?
Existing evidence demonstrates Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) can reduce hypoglycaemic events. The study aims to generate new evidence for hospital populations with cognitive impairment. The findings will support improved inpatient diabetes management strategies and inform clinical decision-making around CGM use in cognitively impaired populations.
Related papers, outputs and resources
Read the related paper, titled 'The Impact of Comorbid Dementia and Diabetes Mellitus on Hospital Patients' Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis'
Read the related paper, titled 'Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Comorbid Dementia and Diabetes: The Evidence So Far'
Who is involved?
- Principal Investigator: Busra Donat Ergin, University of East Anglia (UEA)
- Co-Investigator: Professor Michael Hornberger, University of Southampton (formerly University of East Anglia UEA)
Get in contact
Email Busra Donat Ergin at b.ergin@uea.ac.uk.
Project SALLT08
Project MH57
Project PEDHSC47
Project SALLT07
Project SALLT02
Project SALLT06