Parkinson's Disease and glucose dysregulation: shared pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications.

Introduction: The relationship between Parkinson's Disease (PD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is attracting increasing research interest. Epidemiological data shows a remarkable association between these two age-related diseases. Evidence is emerging to suggest a common pathological pathway linking PD and T2DM, involving factors such as altered insulin signalling, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and misfolded protein accumulation. The precise mechanisms underlying this interplay, however, remain less clear, and are likely to be bidirectional. The aim of this review was to examine the epidemiological association between PD and T2DM, summarise potential common mechanisms, and evaluate the role of antidiabetic medications in the treatment and prevention of PD progression.

Clinical implications: A deeper understanding of the shared pathophysiological pathways between PD and T2DM may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches for patients with both diseases. Research into antidiabetic drugs, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, shows promise in potentially modifying the progression of PD.

Future directions: Investigation of the common pathophysiological mechanisms of PD and T2DM may lead to new treatment strategies for both diseases. Ongoing studies of the efficacy and safety of antidiabetic drugs in PD, particularly in larger populations, are essential to validate their long-term benefits and therapeutic potential.