The impact of neuropsychological functions on self-care/self-management of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged people

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the impact of neuropsychological functions on self-care/self-management in middle-aged individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Areas covered: A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2012 to April 2023 across multiple databases. Ten articles were included in the scoping review, and 3 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The findings consistently indicated an association between reduced neuropsychological functions and poor self-care/self-management in this population. Memory functions, executive functions, and other domains were found to be significantly related to self-care/self-management, including diet management, exercise, blood glucose monitoring, and foot care. Expert opinion: This study highlights the importance of considering neuropsychological factors in understanding and improving diabetes management outcomes. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and the development of targeted interventions to address specific vulnerable domains. Future research should focus on elucidating underlying mechanisms, addressing methodological inconsistencies, and exploring the effectiveness of interventions targeting neuropsychological impairments. Incorporating technology and personalized approaches into diabetes management can enhance self-care/self-management and clinical outcomes in individuals with T2DM.