Recent research studies have shed new light on the relationship between type 2 diabetes and brain-related health issues, such as dementia, and how maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce these risks. Three studies published in August focused on type 2 diabetes and its complications, which affect millions of people worldwide. One study found that stable hemoglobin A1c levels over time can help lower the risk of dementia, while another study revealed that adopting a healthy lifestyle can offset accelerated brain aging caused by diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes is expected to rise significantly over the next 20 years, especially type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body is unable to respond to insulin properly.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin as the disease progresses. Medical News Today regularly reports on peer-reviewed studies related to type 2 diabetes, highlighting key findings and insights into prevention and management. One study published in the journal JAMA Network Open in August found that maintaining stable hemoglobin A1c levels over time can predict dementia risk. Using a measure called HbA1c time in range (TIR), the study concluded that higher HbA1c TIR levels were associated with more stable blood sugar levels and a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in older adults.
Another study published in the journal Diabetes Care in August reported that prediabetes and type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of accelerated brain aging. However, making healthy lifestyle choices such as regular physical activity, not smoking, and avoiding heavy alcohol consumption can help improve brain health in individuals with these conditions. The study analyzed MRI brain scans of over 31,000 people aged 40 to 70, finding that both prediabetes and diabetes were associated with older brain age compared to chronological age. Those who engaged in healthy behaviors showed a reduced gap between brain age and chronological age over time.
The lead author of the study, Abigail Dove, emphasized the importance of understanding the role of diabetes and prediabetes in the early stages of brain aging to protect the brain health of individuals with these conditions as they age. While the study did not establish causality, it reinforced the existing evidence that a healthy lifestyle can effectively manage diabetes and improve brain health. Dr. Scott Kaiser, a board-certified geriatrician and Director of Geriatric Cognitive Health at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, highlighted the significance of lifestyle interventions in promoting brain health at both individual and population levels.
These recent research findings underscore the importance of maintaining stable blood sugar levels and adopting a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of dementia and brain-related health issues associated with type 2 diabetes. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise globally, understanding the link between diabetes and brain health is crucial for implementing effective prevention and management strategies. By staying informed on the latest research developments and insights from health experts, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their brain health and overall well-being.
