Scientists find stress link with diabetes

STRESS raises the risk of mental decline in older people with diabetes, new research suggests.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Feb 2010, 08:54 BST
Updated 23rd Feb 2010, 09:34 BST

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh studied more than 900 men and women aged from 60 to 75 with type-2 diabetes and found that those with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol showed slower brain function.

Dr Rebecca Reynolds, of the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Cardiovascular Science, said: "We know that type-2 diabetes is linked to problems with memory, but the reason is unclear.

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"This study shows that older people with diabetes who have higher levels of stress hormones in their blood are more likely to have experienced cognitive decline. It may be that by regulating cortisol levels, we could help improve cognitive decline in patients with type-2 diabetes."

The research, which is backed by Diabetes Care, is part of a four-year study at the university.

Scientists are inviting participants to take part in follow-up research.