Is there a link between dementia and diabetes? Read the blog to know more!
Dementia is a common term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with our daily lives. Memory loss is an example of dementia and Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. Dementia cannot be defined as a specific disease and a group of symptoms collectively affect memory and thinking and our social abilities.
Common diseases that cause dementia
Even though alzheimer’s is the most common cause, there are other issues which can cause dementia.
Relation Between Dementia and Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when our body is not able to make enough insulin or use the insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone that is used by the body to control blood glucose levels. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body and helps use energy to perform all necessary bodily functions.
Diabetes is of two types– type 1 and type 2 and also gestational diabetes, which occurs temporarily during pregnancy. People who have type 2 diabetes, which is caused by high sugar levels in the blood, are at a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Cardiovascular problems associated with diabetes are common to dementia as well. Such as:
- Obesity
- History of heart issue
- Impaired blood vessel
- Circulatory problems
- High BP
- High Cholesterol.
Research states that just like diabetes, Alzheimer’s also is related to glucose not being used properly . The reason could be nerve cell death. In vascular dementia, cells in the brain die due to lack of oxygen.
Beta-amyloidplaques, that build up in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer’s has also been shown to prevent the insulin receptors of the brain from doing its job. This could impact insulin production and lead to brain cells becoming insensitive towards insulin.
Reduce the Risk
Leading a healthy lifestyle which promotes cardiovascular health automatically will benefit your brain too.
● Follow a healthy diet, focusing on Vit D and B6 and B12.
● Make sure to indulge in regular physical activity
● Maintain blood sugar levels: Sugar levels in blood which are considered normal glucose levels are 4.0 – 5.4 mmol/L
● Protect your head when playing any sport or doing any activity which could put it at risk.
Read More: Diabetes and Female Sexual Health
Invest in a Glucometer
All this can get difficult and you may need to check your blood sugar levels from time to time. A glucometer is a blood sugar checker, which will help you monitor glucose levels in your blood and help keep blood sugar range in normal; in turn helping you control diabetes better.
