DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2025.v11i11.005

Pages: 1092-1105

Chronic hyperglycemia, arising from deficient insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or both, induces profound metabolic dysregulation across carbohydrate, lipid, and protein pathways. Mounting clinical and experimental evidence underscores a compelling association between diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The pathophysiological nexus involves chronic oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, and insulin resistance, which collectively precipitate neuronal injury and cognitive deterioration. The present observational study sought to evaluate the prevalence of neurodegenerative burden among individuals with diabetes of more than six years’ duration. Conducted in the inpatient department of General Medicine at ESI MC & PGIMSR, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, the study encompassed 100 participants who met defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic characteristics, medical history, and biochemical parameters were documented using a structured questionnaire, while cognitive performance was assessed via the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Statistical analyses, encompassing descriptive and inferential methods, were performed using Microsoft Excel. Among the cohort, 52% were males and 48% females, predominantly within the 68–75-year age range. Approximately 30% had diabetes for 6–8 years, 33% exhibited normal fasting blood glucose, and 57% showed elevated random blood glucose levels. Hypertension emerged as the most prevalent comorbidity (47%). Cognitive assessment revealed that 52% had no impairment, 27% exhibited mild impairment, and 21% demonstrated severe cognitive decline. Statistically significant associations were observed between MMSE scores and both HbA1c (H = 8.200, p = 0.017) and triglyceride levels (H = 6.641, p = 0.036). These findings underscore that sustained hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia are pivotal contributors to neurocognitive impairment in chronic