In a nutshell
This study investigated whether thiazolidinediones (TZDs) can help lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The authors concluded that TZDs were associated with a lower risk of PD in these patients.
Some background
Although anti-diabetes medications can help lower blood sugar levels, long-term complications can occur. T2D can lead to dementia and brain degeneration diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and slow movement.
TZDs are a type of anti-diabetes medication. Some studies suggest that TZDs may lower the frequency of PD among patients with diabetes. However, the results of these studies are unclear. Whether TZDs protect against PD in patients with T2D remains under investigation.
Methods & findings
This study analyzed the results of 5 studies. These studies compared TZD to either no TZD use or other anti-diabetes medications. Patients were followed for an average of 5 to 15 years.
Overall, patients with diabetes who received TZDs had a 30% lower risk of developing PD compared to patients who were not treated with TZDs.
One study compared patients who received pioglitazone (Actos) to patients who did not. Pioglitazone slightly lowered the risk of PD by 14%. Overall, TZDs decreased the risk of PD by 34%.
The bottom line
This study concluded that TZDs were associated with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease in patients with diabetes. The authors suggest that larger studies including different TZDs are needed to confirm these results.
The fine print
This study only looked at 5 studies. More studies with larger patient populations are needed to confirm these results. The best dose of TZD medication for lowering PD risk in patients with diabetes also warrants further investigation.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Oct 23, 2019
