How Diabetes Mellitus Effects Recovery of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Objective(s): To investigate the relationship between Diabetes and TBI
To discuss treatment implications
To explore opportunities for further investigation

Data Sources: A systematic review was conducted by using the search engines: PubMed and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed empirical studies that were published between December 2008- April 2023

Study Selection: An initial search with the keywords “Traumatic Brain Injury and Diabetes.”, “hyper and hypoglycemia in brain-injured individuals” and. “TBI risk factors” was conducted using PubMed Google Scholar. Original research studies between 2013-2023 focusing on the impact of diabetes on individuals with TBI were analyzed.

Data Extraction: Independent extraction by multiple observers

Data Synthesis: A total of 7 studies with related methodologies were included. These studies similarly measured glycemic controls, outcomes, and blood flow. Sample across studies consisted of 111,239 human participants and 335 rats. Altogether, findings showed that individuals with diabetes have up to a 17% higher chance of developing complications during recovery and up to 2 years following the injury.

Conclusions: Diabetic individuals are dealt significant challenges in everyday life, and more so when faced with TBI complications. The predisposition to metabolic impairments such as the aforementioned metabolic glucose impairment, impaired blood flow, and impaired immune system, present a fundamental obstacle. Future studies should examine modifications in glucose management to formulate an advantageous treatment plan for individuals with diabetes.

Author(s) Disclosures: No disclosures