Contact
Mail: astrid.wiggers@regionh.dk
Phone: +45 21 62 24 70
Astrid has been fascinated by the physiology of the nervous system since the beginning of medical school. In the last decades, the rise in diabetes cases has been paralleled by an increase in diabetes-related complications affecting the nervous system. Today, diabetic neuropathy is recognized as the fastest-growing neurological condition, yet numerous questions about its underlying mechanisms, optimal management strategies, and impacts on patient health remain unanswered. Furthermore, research indicates that individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy may face an increased risk of cognitive impairment or dementia, suggesting that changes in the peripheral and central nervous system are associated. Astrid is excited about future developments in this field and looks forward to contributing to its progress.
Research area
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Diabetic autonomic neuropathy
Cognitive impairment
Dementia
Biomarkers of peripheral and central nerve damage
Current projects
Diabetes increases the risk of dementia, but causal mechanisms remain unclear. Identifying whether diabetes-related complications contribute to dementia risk is essential to improve our understanding of pathophysiology and help development of targeted preventive strategies. Previous research suggests that individuals with diabetic neuropathy have a higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Astrids current projects explore this potential link and its underlying mechanisms.
Neuropathy as a risk factor for brain disease (epidemiology): This study merges data from Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen with information from Danish Health Registries to assess the risk of brain diseases, such as cerebrovascular disease and dementia, in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Association between cognitive function and neuropathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (clinical study): In this clinical study individuals with T2D are invited to undergo comprehensive examinations of neuropathy, extensive neurophysiological testing, and structural and functional neuroimaging (MRI). Additionally, biomarkers indicative of central and peripheral nerve damage will be measured. The aim is to delineate the extent to which diabetic neuropathy in individuals with T2D is associated with impaired cognitive function and to elucidate the underlying pathology.
Publications:
Brain barriers and their potential role in migraine pathophysiology
Calcitonin gene-related peptide causes migraine aura
An exploratory analysis of clinical and sociodemographic factors in CGRP-induced migraine attacks: A REFORM study
Premonitory symptoms in migraine: A REFORM Study
Hypersensitivity to CGRP as a predictive biomarker of migraine prevention with erenumab