New analyses of observational as well as genetic data have suggested that type 2 diabetes is tied to an increased risk for Parkinsons disease.

Two separate analyses were conducted - a meta-analysis of observational studies looking into the association between type 2 diabetes and Parkinsons and a Mendelian randomization analysis of genetic data on these two conditions. Similar results were obtained in both studies. The observational data indicated that type 2 diabetes was associated with a 21% increased risk for Parkinsons disease while the genetic data pointed to an 8% increased risk. The findings also pointed that type 2 diabetes might be linked with faster progression of Parkinsons symptoms. The analyses are reported in a paper published online in Movement Disorders… (Medscape)