Altered white matter functional networks in type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without mild cognitive impairment

Motivation: Cognitive impairment in T2DM is associated with functional network disruption in gray matter and structural abnormalities in white matter (WM), but the functional information in WM is unknown. Goal(s): This study aimed to characterize the WM functional network changes in patients with T2DM under different cognitive states. Approach: 221 T2DM (121 DMCI and 100 DMNC) and 122 HC underwent neuropsychological assessment and rs-fMRI examinations. The functional connectome and global topological properties of WM functional network were calculated. Results: The DMCI exhibited more extensive disorders functional connectome of WM network, and showed lower cluster coefficient and local efficiency, and higher path length. Impact: This study explored the change patterns of WM functional connectome and global topological properties in patients with T2DM under different cognitive states, which can provide a neuroimaging basis for revealing T2DM-related brain damage from the perspective of WM function.