There is research that indicates there is a link between diabetes and dementia. Even elevated blood sugar, which is a precursor to diabetes, appears to increase the risk of dementia. The higher the blood sugar is in an individual, the greater the chance is that they will develop dementia. Because the prevalence of diabetes and elevated blood sugar is so great, this is an issue of great concern for society as whole as well as for individuals. The number of people with diabetes is estimated at 25 million, but there are many more people that are pre-diabetic with elevated blood sugar who may be impacted as well. This study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
A measure of the effectiveness of blood sugar control is called the HA1C. This is also known as the hemoglobin A1C. This is a measure of one’s blood sugar over time. A normal HA1C is in the range of 4.6% - 6%. The ARIC study demonstrated a 19% increase in cognitive decline, or dementia symptoms, over 20 years in those with diabetes. The greater the HA1C and the longer the tenure of the elevation, the greater the probability of dementia was. The greatest memory loss was in those with HA1C of greater than 7%. Even those with increases of HA1C in the rage of 5.7% - 6.4% had increased cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment is the most frequent symptom of dementia.
The lesson to be learned from this research is that blood sugar control is of the greatest importance. If you are overweight, the likelihood of diabetes is much increased. Diabetes and elevated blood sugar can be modified with weight loss, diet and exercise. Even a few pounds of weight loss can make a substantial difference in blood sugar maintenance, and even moderate exercise is beneficial. There are many other risk factors that come from prolonged diabetes and elevated blood sugar that are well known. We now have an indication of another negative impact of this condition with its link to dementia.
Diabetes is a disease that not only impacts length or quantity of life, but also quality of life. Take charge of your diabetes and make a difference.