Influence of Pre-existing Diabetes Mellitus on Executive Function Deficits in Adult Traumatic Brain Injury

Background: The study aims to examine the compounded effects of pre-existing diabetes mellitus (DM) on executive functions (EFs) in young and middle-aged adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis involving 97 individuals divided into 3 groups: adults with TBI, adults with both TBI and DM, and a healthy control group. We assessed the participants using various neuropsychological tests and functional status questionnaires. Results: The study found that participants with both TBI and DM exhibited significantly worse outcomes on measures of EF than those with TBI alone. Additionally, patients with TBI and a history of DM perceived a greater need for assistance with cognitive and emotional issues. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for integrated care strategies that specifically cater to the heightened neuropsychological impairments in young and middle-aged adults with TBI and DM. Future research should continue to explore these relationships longitudinally to understand and address the long-term impacts of combined TBI and DM on EFs within this age group.