Objective: The objectives are to investigate if a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and to explore if caffeine intake attenuates the increased PD risk associated with T2DM.

Background: T2DM has been postulated as a potential risk factor for PD, given the common mechanisms of dysregulation in both. Studies, however, show conflicting evidence pertaining to the presence and magnitude of risk. Caffeine has been associated with reduced risk of PD with underlying gene-lifestyle interaction. It is yet to be determined if T2DM increases the risk of PD and if caffeine intake is able to attenuate this increased risk.

Method: A case-control study was conducted, involving 1395 PD patients and 2421 healthy subjects. Family history of PD, T2DM status and caffeine consumption were recorded using a validated questionnaire. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between T2DM status and PD risk. Subgroup analyses were done after stratifying for T2DM and caffeine intake status.

Results: Individuals with T2DM are 4.51 more likely to develop PD than those without (OR = 4.51, 95% CI: (3.62, 5.66), p = <2×10⁻¹⁶). Multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for covariates revealed that individuals with T2DM were 2.33 times more likely to develop PD compared to those without (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: (1.79, 3.03), p = 2.38×10^-10). Amongst diabetic individuals, caffeine intake was associated with 78% reduction in PD risk (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: (0.03, 0.76), p = 0.04229). When compared to healthy individuals who consume caffeine, diabetic individuals who do not consume caffeine were found to be 11.43 times more likely to develop PD (OR = 11.43, 95% CI: (3.01, 75.06), p = 0.00179).

Conclusion: T2DM is associated with a statistically significant increased risk of developing PD. This study unveils that a diabetic individual who does not consume caffeine may be about 11 times more likely to develop PD when compared to a healthy individual who consumes caffeine. These findings advocate for caffeine intake to be adopted as a lifestyle modification or therapeutic agent, especially in populations at higher risk for PD.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-influence-of-caffeine-intake-on-type-2-diabetes-mellitus-mediated-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/