Associations between physical activity, glucose variability, and cognitive function in older adults with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Higher glucose variability is linked to cognitive impairment in older adults with type 2 diabetes. While physical activity can reduce glucose variability and improve cognitive function, these relationships remain unexplored using continuous glucose monitoring. This study examined associations between physical activity, glucose variability, and cognitive function through secondary data analysis of 87 older adults with type 2 diabetes using self-reported questionnaires, computerized cognitive assessments, and continuous glucose monitoring data. Subgroup analysis showed that physical activity was associated with better cognitive function in individuals with lower cognitive function but not in those with higher cognitive function. This suggests that the effects of physical activity may vary depending on cognitive status. Future research should incorporate objective physical activity measures and longer-duration continuous glucose monitoring to explore how activity intensity, type, and timing influence glucose variability and cognitive outcomes, informing targeted interventions for this population.