Diabetes negatively affects cognition and increases the risk of developing overt dementia. Decreased cerebral glucose metabolism may be contributing to this effect, thus providing a glucose substitute using ketone bodies might improve neuronal function. In this study the investigators propose to provide quantitative results on cognitive performance during acute hyperketonemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.
It has been proposed that hypometabolism in the brain contributes to the neuropathology that leads to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Additionally cognitive disturbances in patients with AD are associated with and paralleled by a decrease in cerebral glucose metabolism. This AD-like reduction in cerebral metabolism has also been associated with insulin-resistance, and may contribute to one of the links between diabetes and AD. Therefore manipulating neuro-energetics by providing a glucose substitute seems to be a means of improving neuronal function. Here the investigators will examine the effect of ketone bodies on cognitive performance in patients with type 2 diabetes by a randomized cross-over trial. Each subject will meet for two experimental visits separated by 2-6 weeks. During the two visit days subjects will, in a randomized order, receive ketone bodies (β-hydroxybutyrate) or placebo (saline) intravenously. On both test days plasma glucose levels will be clamped. After glucose levels have been stabilized cognitive performance will be assessed by a battery of validated cognitive tests.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
18
β-hydroxybutyrate is infused intravenously.
saline is infused intravenously.
Department of Research in Endocrinology, Bispebjerg University Hospital
Copenhagen, Denmark
Cognitive composite score (global score)
Time frame: When glucose levels have been stabilized for 40 minutes
Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)
Time frame: When glucose levels have been stabilized for 40 minutes
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