Adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) experience decline in cognitive function compared with controls. Cognitive function is a major component in the performance of daily activities that involve motor components. The aim of this project was to evaluate working memory cognitive deficits and sensorimotor deficits in adults with T2D versus healthy participants. Ten community-dwelling persons with T2D and 10 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Cognitive function, tactile function, motor function, and health state measures were evaluated. Reduced cognitive function, tactile function, and motor function were exhibited in the T2D group. Cognitive and motor functions remained impaired versus controls during tasks with both cognitive and motor components (dual tasks). Health state measures were found to covary with measures of interest. The conclusions of this article are as follows: (a) systemic deficits beyond tactile dysfunction contribute to reduced hand/finger function in T2D, and (b) participants with T2D demonstrate impairments in working memory, tactile function, and motor function.

Background Recent evidence of significant sex-based differences in the presentation of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and its complications has been found in humans, which may contribute to sex-based differences in reduced functionality and quality of life. Some functionality, such as tactile function of the hands, has significant direct impact on quality of life. The purpose of the current study was to explore the impact of DM and sex on tactile function, with consideration of variability in health state measures. Research design and methods A case-control single time point observational study from 2012–2020 in an ethnically diverse population-based community setting. The sample consists of 132 adult individuals: 70 independent community dwelling persons with DM (PwDM) and 62 age- and sex-matched controls (42 males and 90 females in total). The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test was used to evaluate tactile sensation of the hands. Results Tactile sensation thresholds were adversely impacted by sex, age, degree of handedness, high A1c, diagnosis of DM, and neuropathy. Overall, strongly right-handed older adult males with poorly controlled DM and neuropathy possessed the poorest tactile discrimination thresholds. When self-identified minority status was included in a secondary analysis, DM diagnosis was no longer significant; negative impacts of age, neuropathy, degree of handedness, and high A1c remained significant. Conclusions The data indicate significant impacts of male sex, age, degree of handedness, self-identified minority status, and metabolic health on the development of poor tactile sensation. This combination of modifiable and non-modifiable factors are important considerations in the monitoring and treatment of DM complications.

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