Blood Sugar and Brain Health: Is there a Connection?

Understanding cognitive decline for better care of people with alzheimer’s disease.

Diabetes Care|Nov. 19, 2024

We accept certain shifts in health as natural parts of aging—joints that need a little more stretching before a workout, memory that relies a bit more on reminders. However, some changes may not be normal—certain cognitive changes could be brought on by age-related health conditions that call for attention.

Alzheimer’s Disease, a neurological condition typically affecting people over 65 years of age, causes brain functioning to deteriorate gradually. Globally, more than 50 million people live with this disorder, while in India, approximately 4 million people are affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. But how much do we really know about this condition? Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease, its risk factors, and the influence of key lifestyle aspects like diet on brain function, can help curb cognitive decline, and more importantly, improve the lives of those affected by it.

Getting to the heart of Alzheimer’s Disease 

Alzheimer’s Disease, is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who discovered the disease in 1906. It is a type of dementia or loss of intellectual ability, that progressively impairs memory, reasoning, communication, and social behavior. As the disease advances, a person may need assistance for even basic activities like eating food or bathing. The physical and emotional toll of this dependence can be significant on patients and their families.

Researchers have found that a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors could be possible causes for Alzheimer’s Disease. Cardiovascular conditions like hypertension are related to a higher risk of dementia. Interestingly, recent studies draw a strong connection between brain function and insulin resistance. Some healthcare professionals are considering terming Alzheimer’s Disease, “Type 3 Diabetes.” Let’s find out why, and what this means for managing the condition. 

Exploring the link between brain function and insulin resistance

Glucose fluctuations can be associated with cognitive decline: people with Type 2 diabetes show increased insulin resistance in the brain and a reduced ability to use glucose for brain function. Older adults with Type 1 diabetes, too, are at a greater risk for dementia, as compared to those without diabetes.

This link becomes clearer when traced back to beta-amyloid levels, a naturally occurring protein found significantly higher among both— people with elevated blood sugar, and those with Alzheimer’s Disease. It is believed that this protein deposited around the brain cells of people with AD is possibly caused by insulin resistance in the brain.

Supporting brain health while managing your glucose

Thus, for people with diabetes, ensuring stable glucose levels is crucial, not just to stay away from diabetes-related complications, but also to reduce the chance of developing AD. Certain lifestyle changes could help to lower the risk and control the symptoms of diabetes and dementia. The role of nutrition is being widely explored in this regard. While some healthcare professionals believe that dietary patterns directly impact brain health, others are of the opinion that food intake controls weight, blood pressure and glucose levels, which in turn have a bearing on AD.

Focusing on nutrition to improve cognitive wellbeing

Our gut microbiome (the community of microorganisms in the digestive system) influences our immunity and brain health. Foods with gut-friendly nutrients support cognitive function and may help to counter the risk of AD. For example, green leafy vegetables have a neuroprotective effect that slows down age-related brain decline; fermented soya beans prevent memory impairment by improving brain insulin sensitivity and reducing chronic neuroinflammation.

A healthy diet combining these ‘brain-healthy’ food elements with lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, fiber, antioxidants and unsaturated fats, promotes glucose control, cardiovascular health and cognitive wellbeing. The Mediterranean-DASH (Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), or MIND is one such wholesome diet that has been shown to preserve intellectual function and lower the rate of Alzheimer’s Disease. It is largely plant-based, and recommends nutrients like vitamins, carotenoids, and flavonoids that are essential for cognitive health.

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Nutrition and treatment/care planning becomes more efficient when glucose numbers are closely monitored. Tracking blood sugar patterns in real-time, with a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Device, helps to understand how specific foods impact one’s health. Based on these insights, a person’s diet and medication can be adjusted, to maximize time in range. For caregivers, it is comforting to be able to check in on loved ones painlessly and with ease, to make informed decisions for their best possible health.

While the exact cause of degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease is still inconclusive, healthcare research is evolving to give us more insight into its origin, prevention and intervention. Studies that analyze dementia in relation to associated disorders like diabetes, shed new light on the nature and reasons for cognitive decline. They open up ways to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease, and better manage care – giving the much needed assurance, hope to families affected by it.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.