Work

Metabolic and immune dysfunction at the crossroads between type 1 diabetes and neurodegeneration

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A growing body of evidence suggests that neurogenerative disorders are increasingly common in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and should be considered part of the heterogeneous impairment of the nervous system linked to the T1D condition. The already established association between brain health and blood glucose metabolic control pushes to normalize glycemia in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases as well as in those with T1D. Normoglycemia has, indeed, been associated with reduced brain atrophy and preserved neuronal plasticity and function. Interestingly, immune dysregulation recently demonstrated in neurodegenerative diseases may be highly relevant given the autoimmune nature of T1D. Poor glycemic control and a disrupted immune response may act as common pathogenic mechanisms that increase the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders in individuals with T1D and may unveil new diagnostic and therapeutic paths for future clinical advancements. In this narrative review, we summarize new evidence showing that brain damage and cognitive dysfunction are linked to T1D and delineate the role of altered glycemic control, neuronal loss and immune dysregulation. We also discuss novel therapeutic approaches that target the aforementioned mechanisms and may help prevent the onset of neurodegenerative disorders in individuals with T1D.

Source: Metabolism

DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2025.156471

Authors: Francesca D'Addio, Loredana Bucciarelli, Maria Elena Lunati, Paolo Fiorina

Institutions: University of Milan, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes Management and Research

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,340