New research has shown how blood sugar problems affect the health of the brain, making the relationship between diabetes and dementia more clear.
Here are 8 evidence -based visions on how diabetes is linked to dementia according to the British Independent newspaper.
1. Diabetes increases the risk of developing dementia
Diabetes patients develop about 60%, and repeated low blood sugar attacks are associated with an increase in the possibility of cognitive deterioration by 50%.
2. Insulin resistance affects the brain
Insulin resistance – which is the main cause of type 2 diabetes – occurs when the cells stop responding properly to insulin, this means that a large amount of sugar remains in the blood, which leads to complications that usually affect the liver and muscles, but also affect the brain.
This resistance may make the brain cells to use glucose to obtain energy, which contributes to cognitive deterioration.
3. Decreased brain sugar in patients with dementia
The brain constitutes only 2% of body weight, but it consumes about 20% of the body’s energy, and it appears that the brain cells in the case of dementia lose their ability to use glucose properly.
4. Alzheimer’s disease may increase the risk of diabetes
Alzheimer’s patients often suffer from a high level of fasting blood sugar, even if they are not diabetes. This is a form of pre -diabetes. Studies conducted on animals also show that alzheimer’s -like changes in the brain raise blood sugar levels.
The highest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s, the APOE4 genetic variable, reduces insulin sensitivity by imprisoning the future of insulin inside the cell, as it cannot be properly activated.
5. The vascular damage is connected between both cases
Diabetes causes damage to blood vessels, causing complications in the eye, kidneys and heart. The brain is also at risk. High or varying glucose levels in the blood can lead to blood vessels in the brain, which reduces blood flow and delivery of oxygen.
Diabetes can weaken the protective barrier of the brain, allowing harmful substances to enter, and this leads to inflammation. Low blood flow and encephalitis is closely related to dementia.
6. Dimeitarian medication was arrested by diabetes research
Mimmanin, used to treat medium to severe alzheimer’s symptoms, was originally developed as a diabetes drug. He did not succeed in controlling the level of glucose in the blood, but the researchers later discovered its benefits for brain function.
This story shows how diabetes research may carry evidence to treat brain disorders.
7. Metafornin may protect the brain
The role of metformin- the most used diabetes- is not only limited to reducing the level of glucose in the blood, but it reaches the brain and may reduce its inflammation.
Some studies indicate that diabetics who eat metformin are less likely to develop dementia, and that those who stop eating it may witness an increase in the risk of developing it again.
8. Weight loss injections may reduce the risk of dementia
The GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, such as Simiglotide (Ozimbek, Wujovy), reduces blood sugar and supports weight loss.
Records show that diabetics who take these medications are less likely to develop dementia. By comparing the drugs of the GLP1 receptors with metformin, studies have found that they are more effective than metformin in reducing the risk of dementia.