Traumatic Brain Injury as a Potential Risk Factor for Diabetes Mellitus in the Veteran Population.

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Sepehr Saberian, Morehouse School of Medicine; Christian M Mustroph, Emory University; Fahim Atif, Emory University; Don Stein, Emory University; Seema Yousuf, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2022-07
• Publisher: Cureus
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2022, Saberian et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.27296
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Cureus
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 7
• Start Page: e27296
• End Page: e27296
• Keywords: diabetes mellitus type 2; military trauma; veterans health; chronic traumatic encephalopathy; hyperglycemia; traumatic brain injury
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

This review examines various aspects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its potential role as a causative agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the veteran population. The pituitary glands and the hypothalamus, both housed in the intracranial space, are the most important structures for the homeostatic regulation of almost every hormone in the human body. As such, TBI not only causes psychological and cognitive impairments but can also disrupt the endocrine system. It is well established that in addition to having a high prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), veterans have a very high risk of developing various chronic medical conditions. Unfortunately, there are no measures or prophylactic agents that can have a meaningful impact on this medically complex patient population. In this review, we explore several important factors pertaining to both acute and chronic TBI that can provide additional insight into why veterans tend to develop T2DM later in life. We focus on the unique combination of risk factors in this population not typically found in civilians or other individuals with a non-military background. These include post-traumatic stress disorder, CTE, and environmental factors relating to occupation and lifestyle.