Association between low cognitive performance and diabetes‐related health indicators across racial and ethnic groups in adults with diabetes

Abstract Aim To examine the associations between low cognitive performance (LCP) and diabetes‐related health indicators (including body mass index [BMI], HbA1c, systolic blood pressure [SBP], low‐density lipoprotein [LDL] and self‐reported poor physical health) and whether these associations vary across racial/ethnic subgroups. Methods We identified adults aged 60 years or older with self‐reported diabetes from the 2011‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Individuals with cognitive test scores in the lowest quartile were defined as having LCP. We used regression models to measure the associations of LCP with diabetes‐related biometrics (BMI, HbA1c, SBP and LDL); and self‐reported poor physical health. Moreover, we explored potential variations in these associations across racial/ethnic subgroups. Results Of 873 (261 with LCP) adults with diabetes, LCP was associated with higher HbA1c, SBP and LDL (adjusted difference: 0.41%, 5.01 mmHg and 5.08 mg/dL, respectively; P < .05), and greater odds of reporting poor physical health (adjusted odds ratio: 1.59, P < .05). The association between LCP and HbA1c was consistent across racial/ethnic groups, and notably pronounced in Hispanic and Other. BMI worsened with LCP, except for non‐Hispanic Black. Excluding the Other group, elevated SBP was observed in people with LCP, with Hispanic showing the most significant association. LDL levels were elevated with LCP for Hispanic and Other. Physical health worsened with LCP for both non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic. Conclusions We quantified the association between LCP and diabetes‐related health indicators. These associations were more pronounced in Hispanic and Other racial/ethnic groups.