Over the past few decades, research has shown a potential connection between metabolic disorders and multiple sclerosis (MS). While this connection has been made, anti-hyperglycemic medications (often used to treat disorders like type 2 diabetes, or T2D) have been shown to be neuroprotective in people under 45 years old. Recent research sought to understand what impact, if any, anti-hyperglycemic medications had on MS risk within this population. 

SciTechDaily reported study data from the University of Arizona Center for Innovation in Brain Science. Within this study, published in Heliyon, the research team explored whether T2D treatment increased MS risk. To do so, the researchers sourced data from 151 million individuals within an insurance claims database. Findings from the study show that:

• Anti-hyperglycemic medication did help protect neuronal health in people under age 45. In other words, this medication reduced the risk in younger individuals. 
• These medications slightly increased the risk of developing MS in males older than 45. In females over 45, anti-hyperglycemic medication exposure was significantly associated with a heightened MS risk. 

Let’s Talk Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic central nervous system (CNS) disorder which inhibits communication between the brain and body. It is considered to be an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath (the protective covering of nerve cells). MS is a variable condition; some people may experience mild symptoms and others more serious. Some people have relapsing-remitting MS, while others have progressive; this shapes the manifestation. Women are 2-3x more likely to develop MS than men. It is also more common in those between ages 20-40, although multiple sclerosis can manifest at other ages. Symptoms can include:

• Blurred or double vision
• Problems with balance and coordination
• Difficulty walking
• Optic neuritis
• Muscle weakness, often in the hands and legs
• Intermittent or constant dizziness
• Numbness and tingling
• Muscle stiffness and spasms
• Issues with bladder control 
• Tremor
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Cognitive dysfunction

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but there are a number of treatment options. These include disease-modifying treatments, corticosteroids, rehabilitative services, and plasmapheresis.