Is there a link between Alzheimer’s and diabetes? Several research studies do suggest that.

What you need to know:

The Diabetes-Alzheimer’s connection
How diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on diabetes management
A holistic approach to managing Alzheimer’s and diabetes

The Diabetes-Alzheimer’s connection

If you are:

Prediabetic (have blood sugar level higher than normal) or have
Type 2 diabetes (the most common type of diabetes – a chronic condition in which your body becomes insulin resistant, causing a spike in blood sugar level),

you have a higher risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Scientists think there are a few ways that problems with blood sugar control can affect your memory and thinking.

Understanding the basics: Diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease

Let us first understand the basics. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Glucose is your body’s main source of energy. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that gets worse over time. It destroys your memory and other important mental functions.

How diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer’s

Now that you know what Alzheimer’s and diabetes are, let us dive deep and look at how diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer’s:

Insulin resistance and brain health

With diabetes, when your cells don’t use insulin the way they should, it affects the mechanics of your brain in the following ways:

Your cells don’t get the necessary fuel, which can impact the way your brain functions.
Your blood sugar goes up, and over time, that can cause harmful fatty deposits in your blood vessels.
Too much insulin can throw off the balance of chemicals in your brain.

Inflammation

When you are diagnosed with diabetes, you are at a greater risk for a heart attack or stroke. High blood sugar levels can trigger inflammation (your body’s response to injury or infection), which can harm your blood vessels. Damaged vessels in your brain could lead to Alzheimer’s. Inflammation can also make your cells insulin-resistant, especially if you are obese.

Blood sugar control and cognitive decline

High blood sugar has been linked to higher levels of protein pieces called beta-amyloid. When these clump together, they get stuck between the nerve cells in your brain and block signals. The main trait of Alzheimer’s is the disability of nerve cells to function properly. This blocked nerve communication results in a cognitive decline.

Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on diabetes management

How does Alzheimer’s affect diabetes? Let us understand its impact on diabetes management:

Cognitive decline and self-care challenges

Alzheimer’s symptoms can include:

Memory loss that affects daily living and social interactions
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Misplacing things often
Decreased ability to make judgments based on information
Sudden changes in personality or demeanor

Increased risk of diabetes complications

If you have Alzheimer’s, you have a higher risk of developing diabetic complications, such as:

Kidney disease – Your kidneys get damaged over a long period making it harder to clear extra fluid and waste from your body, and
Nerve damage – It becomes harder for the nerves to carry messages between the brain and every part of our body, which can affect how you see, hear, feel, and move.

A holistic approach to managing Alzheimer’s and diabetes

Given below are a few measures you can take to manage your Alzheimer’s and diabetes:

Prioritizing blood sugar control

An A1C test measures the average amount of sugar in your blood over the past few months. A higher A1C percentage corresponds to higher average blood sugar levels. A few studies show that keeping your A1C below 7% may help your brain stay well. So, you must prioritize keeping your blood sugar levels in check.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet

Exercise will help your cells use insulin better, manage your blood sugar, and avoid too much insulin in your blood and brain. Physical activity brings oxygen-rich blood to your brain, and it lowers your risk of heart disease. Eat foods low in saturated fat, rich in protein, and high in fiber providing adequate nutrients to your body. You can include green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, fatty fish, and whole grains in your diet.

Cognitive stimulation and brain health

Cognitive stimulation is when you engage in a range of activities and discussions (usually in a group), which improves general cognitive functioning. Try simple activities like reading, walking, stretching, yoga, or dancing to stimulate cognitive health. After all, your mind is just like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets, and the more it can expand.

There is an undeniable link between Alzheimer’s and diabetes. With the above information at hand, you can manage your Alzheimer’s and diabetes in a better way – if you or someone you know, is predisposed to them.

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