{"id":5476,"date":"2018-04-12T20:55:12","date_gmt":"2018-04-12T20:55:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/braintest.com\/?post_type=kbe_knowledgebase&p=5476"},"modified":"2020-03-09T22:59:28","modified_gmt":"2020-03-09T22:59:28","slug":"protect-brain-mindful-blood-glucose-levels","status":"publish","type":"kbe_knowledgebase","link":"https:\/\/braintest.com\/protect-brain-mindful-blood-glucose-levels\/","title":{"rendered":"To Protect Your Brain, Be Mindful of Your Blood Glucose Levels"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is no coincidence that Alzheimer’s has been referred to as ‘type 3’ diabetes. In fact, th<\/span>e<\/span> link between blood sugar and neurological health is becoming clearer and clearer. <\/span><\/p>\n

Known to promote obesity and diabetes, researchers are now interested in the association between a high-sugar diet and cognitive decline. <\/span><\/p>\n

Diabetes and the Aging Brain<\/span><\/h1>\n

Previous research has shown that ingesting large amounts of sugar negatively impacts the brain. Although your brain uses glucose as its primary fuel source, too much of this energy source can do more harm than good. In addition, a high intake of sugar can raise blood pressure levels and promote chronic inflammation, damage the heart, and in turn, the brain.<\/p>\n

A key example of sugar\u2019s effect on the brain can be observed in diabetics. Long-term, poorly controlled diabetes will subject the brain to high glucose levels, interfering with the brain\u2019s overall connectivity. Type 2 diabetes, for instance, which is caused by dietary and other environmental variables, has been shown to accelerate brain aging. <\/span><\/p>\n

This may be expected, as individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes often display poor dietary habits. However, the same is true for people with type 1 diabetes. According to <\/span>a 2015 study<\/span><\/a>, published in <\/span>Neurology<\/span><\/i>, the brains of type 1 diabetics showed signs of accelerated aging. These signs correlate with slower information processing. <\/span><\/p>\n

The MRIs showed that 33 percent of the participants (mean age: 50) displayed markers that indicate damage to the brain\u2019s white matter, compared to just 7 percent of their non-diabetic counterparts. This is why middle-aged individuals living with diabetes should be screened for signs of cognitive impairment. <\/span><\/p>\n

BrainTest\u00ae<\/span><\/a> is an app that can help individuals detect early warning signs of Alzheimer\u2019s, mild cognitive impairment, and other dementia-related conditions. This assessment tool will provide you with a baseline report card so that you can track your thinking and memory across time. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Relationship Between a High-Sugar Diet and Cognitive Decline<\/span><\/h2>\n

Diabetics experience greater risk factors in relation to heart and brain health compared to the general population, so how does sugar consumption affect those without this insulin-resistant disease?<\/span><\/p>\n

As stated in <\/span>one review<\/span><\/a>, the current Western diet is not only causing an exponential rise in diabetes, but also cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Unfortunately, this type of diet, known to be high in sugar and fat, is also leading to poor cognitive function later in life. <\/span><\/p>\n

One\u00a02018 study<\/span><\/a>, published in <\/span>Diabetologia<\/span><\/i>, collected data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). In total, 5189 participants were examined (55 percent were female and the mean age was 65.6 years). After taking baseline HbA1c levels and determining cognitive scores, the average follow-up duration was 8.1 years (+\/- 2.8 years). <\/span><\/p>\n

It was determined that increased HbA1c levels were significantly associated with an increased rate of cognitive decline. In comparison to participants with normal glycemia levels, those with prediabetes and diabetes displayed lower memory, orientations, and executive function z scores across time.<\/p>\n

Are You Prediabetic?<\/span><\/h2>\n

For those who are prediabetic, blood sugar levels are abnormally high, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Although 84 million American adults currently have prediabetes (which equates to approximately 1 out of 3), lifestyle changes can help you actively prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and other serious health complications. <\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the greatest risk factors associated with prediabetes include:<\/p>\n