Did you know Alzheimer’s is also called Type 3 Diabetes? In this blog, find the link between Alzheimer’s and diabetes!
Diabetes refers to a condition where the body is not able to produce enough insulin or is not able to use the insulin well.
Typically, diabetes is of two types:
- Type 1: Where the body does not produce enough insulin hormone.
- Type 2: Where the body starts developing resistance to the insulin produced.
Alzheimer’s may be triggered due to insulin resistance in the brain; hence, it is widely termed as ‘diabetes in the brain’ or Type 3 Diabetes. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia characterized by short-term memory loss, confusion, and forgetfulness. During later stages, this becomes worse and can also lead to rapid mood swings and incontinence.
When left untreated, diabetes can damage the blood vessels, including those in the brain. Since type 2 diabetics are usually less aware of their condition, it puts them at a higher risk for this kind of damage. When you are diabetic, it also throws off the balance of chemicals in the brain. This can trigger Alzheimer’s. High blood sugar levels can also cause inflammation, which can damage your brain cells.
Complications that can occur with diabetes include:
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Eye Damage
- Kidney problems
- Nerve Damage
- Digestive problems
How Can You Prevent Yourself From Alzheimer’s?
The following changes in lifestyle can help reduce and prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. This, in turn, reduces the chances of Alzheimer’s as well:
- Eating healthy
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing blood pressure
- Managing cholesterol levels
- Exercising regularly
- Avoid smoking
Small steps can make a big difference. Poor diets and highly processed foods and foods that contain high sugar content are unhealthy. Sugar is also considered the ultimate culprit in nerve and blood vessel damage.
Read more: Diabetes and Cancer: Major Risk Factors and Early Care
Ensuring a healthy lifestylecan help keep such complications at bay.
Also, make sure that you invest in a glucometer that can help you manage and monitor blood sugar level changes from time to time.
