Impact of Diabetes on Outcomes for Persons with Chronic Brain Injury

Objectives: To examine the effect of diabetes on functional outcomes for a group of chronically brain injured individuals. To determine if brain injured persons with diabetes are more medically complex, including psychiatric diagnoses and prescribed medications, than brain injured persons without diabetes. Methods: Fifty-eight participants meeting inclusion criteria were selected from a sample of 120 individuals who were treated in a residential brain injury Supported Living program. Twenty-nine subjects were diagnosed with diabetes and brain injury (D-BI). A demographically matched sample of 29 individuals with non-diabetic brain injury (ND-BI) comprised the comparative group. All participants were evaluated using the Mayo Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 Participation Index (M2PI) in test phase 1 (2016) and test phase 2 (2017). Group differences on the M2PI, number and type of medications, and number and type of comorbid conditions were evaluated. Results: Although the difference was not statistically significant, the ND-BI group realized greater reduction trend in disability than the D-BI. The D-BI group presented with significantly more medical conditions t(56)=1.975, p<0.05, including a greater incidence of hypertension, x2 (1, 55)=9.471, p< .01. Groups did not differ in the number of psychiatric conditions diagnosed or medications prescribed. Conclusions: Diabetes following a brain injury may increase the risk for medical complications, including a higher incidence of hypertension found in this study. Chronic brain injury with diabetes may benefit from a structured program, such as Supported Living care, to manage medical complications, medication administration, and participation in the community.