The cause and effect have not yet been demonstrated, but some of the changes seen in the brain of people with Alzheimer's disease have also been associated with insulin resistance: this has been found in at least one study.
Insulin resistance, of course, is the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes.
So this definitely leads to the question: can uncontrolled type 2 diabetes lead to Alzheimer's disease? Research at the Mayo Clinic: According to research carried out at the Mayo Clinic, family members of Type 2 diabetics should be aware of the early signs of Alzheimer's disease as Type 2 diabetics are 66% more likely to develop this disease than those in the general population.
The risk is double in men, and over one-third in women.
It is unclear, but the overall increase in Alzheimer's disease among people with Type 2 diabetes may be due to a common genetic predisposition.
Study revealed: In August 2010, the medical journal Neurology published the results of a study conducted by researchers at the Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University in Japan.
One hundred and thirty-five volunteers were given oral glucose tolerance tests in 1988.
Fasting blood sugar levels 2 hours after 75 grams of sugar was consumed, fasting blood insulin levels, and an assessment of insulin resistance was made.
Between 1998 and 2003, the volunteers were autopsied and their brains examined.
Those with the higher levels of blood sugar after consuming the 75 grams of sugar, with the higher levels of blood insulin, and the greatest resistance to insulin, also had the highest risk of neuritic plaques, one of the abnormalities seen in Alzheimer's patients.
They did not, however, have particularly high levels of neurofibrillary tangles which is another abnormality seen with this disease.
Neuritic plaques exist outside the brain cells and are composed of a protein called amyloid.
Neurofibrillary tangles are flame-shaped abnormalities within brain cells.
What role each of them plays in Alzheimer's disease is yet to be discovered.
While the possibility of Type 2 diabetes as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is still being researched, be on the safe side and take control of your diabetes.
Many Type 2 diabetics want to have better control of their condition, but don't know how.
Check with your doctor for specific advice on:
In other words, write things down.
Remember back in school when you set out to learn? If you are like most of us, it didn't all come at once.
Keep asking questions and putting into practice what you are instructed to do, and you can develop the knowledge and skills to deal with your Type 2 diabetes and blood sugar levels.
Insulin resistance, of course, is the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes.
So this definitely leads to the question: can uncontrolled type 2 diabetes lead to Alzheimer's disease? Research at the Mayo Clinic: According to research carried out at the Mayo Clinic, family members of Type 2 diabetics should be aware of the early signs of Alzheimer's disease as Type 2 diabetics are 66% more likely to develop this disease than those in the general population.
The risk is double in men, and over one-third in women.
It is unclear, but the overall increase in Alzheimer's disease among people with Type 2 diabetes may be due to a common genetic predisposition.
Study revealed: In August 2010, the medical journal Neurology published the results of a study conducted by researchers at the Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University in Japan.
One hundred and thirty-five volunteers were given oral glucose tolerance tests in 1988.
Fasting blood sugar levels 2 hours after 75 grams of sugar was consumed, fasting blood insulin levels, and an assessment of insulin resistance was made.
Between 1998 and 2003, the volunteers were autopsied and their brains examined.
Those with the higher levels of blood sugar after consuming the 75 grams of sugar, with the higher levels of blood insulin, and the greatest resistance to insulin, also had the highest risk of neuritic plaques, one of the abnormalities seen in Alzheimer's patients.
They did not, however, have particularly high levels of neurofibrillary tangles which is another abnormality seen with this disease.
Neuritic plaques exist outside the brain cells and are composed of a protein called amyloid.
Neurofibrillary tangles are flame-shaped abnormalities within brain cells.
What role each of them plays in Alzheimer's disease is yet to be discovered.
While the possibility of Type 2 diabetes as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is still being researched, be on the safe side and take control of your diabetes.
Many Type 2 diabetics want to have better control of their condition, but don't know how.
Check with your doctor for specific advice on:
- how often to measure your blood sugar levels and what to do when they fall above or below normal
- what your goal for your glycosylated hemoglobin reading, the HbA1c percentage should be
- diet, and make a point of asking about beginning a vegan or plant-based diet.
The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is lower among populations that follow plant-based diets - how often and when to take your medications
In other words, write things down.
Remember back in school when you set out to learn? If you are like most of us, it didn't all come at once.
Keep asking questions and putting into practice what you are instructed to do, and you can develop the knowledge and skills to deal with your Type 2 diabetes and blood sugar levels.