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The next time you’re at the mall, supermarket, sporting event or park, take a look around. According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 10 (or about 11.3%) of the individuals you see have received a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. And a staggering 1 in almost 4 U.S. adults (38.0%) meet the criteria for prediabetes, the CDC adds.
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Your focus, memory and overall brain health can also take a hit, according toThe Lancet. But the cognitive collateral impact ofdiabetes is not necessarily inevitable. Even if you have or may be at risk for type 2 diabetes, it’s possible to take steps to mind your, well, mind.
Ahead is your complete guide to the brain and blood sugar connection, plus how to eat, move and shift your lifestyle to benefit your brain.
The Link between Diabetes and the Risk of Cognitive Impairment
Researchers are still searching for the exact reason(s) why this is true, admitsRoxana Ehsani, RD, CSSD, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Miami and a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
“It could be due to aging or other chronic conditions, like having high blood pressure, as well as the diabetes itself,” Ehsani says. “Also, people with diabetes are more at risk for developing chronic conditions, and if it’s poorly managed or not controlled via medication, diet and exercise, it could impact all other organs, eyes, heart, kidneys and brain.”
The most likely link between diabetes and dementia is the same reason why people with diabetes are at risk forchallenges with their limbs.
“The brain depends on sugar as its main energy source. However, having high sugar levels in the blood, as in the case of diabetes, can cause stress and damage to the brain. Similar to how diabetes can lead to nerve damage to the heart, eyes and extremities, it can also affect the nerves and blood vessels of the brain,” explainsDiana Licalzi, RD, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Reversing T2D in Boulder, Colorado.
Consider the fact that blood vessels deliver oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If these blood vessels are constricted, it can affect the blood flow delivered to the brain and, over time, lead toimpaired cognitive function. Moreover, insulin plays an important role in the brain’s functions, and brain insulin resistance can negatively affect our cognition, per a 2020 publication inThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
“This damage can worsen memory and cognitive function and increase risk for more serious neurodegenerative disorders like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia,” Licalzi says.
Just like inadequate blood flow to one’s toes can lead to a need for amputation, for instance, decreased blood flow to the brain can lead to nerve damage that triggers problems with memory and learning, changes in mood and, in the long run, conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, theCDCconfirms. The CDC notes that this can occur with blood sugar that’s too high or too low, so the happy medium is what we’re all shooting for.
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5 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Brain
Even if you have a family history of type 2 diabetes or have received a diagnosis already, it’s not too late to shift your lifestyle and takesmarter stepsto maintain your brainpower.
“If you can establish healthy habits early on, you can help protect your brain from cognitive decline,” Licalzi says.
Try these five strategies that the dietitians we spoke to recommend.
Get Regular Checkups with Your Health Care Provider
“A lot of people don’t even know they have prediabetes or even diabetes. It’s more common than you think that people are unaware of their elevated blood sugar levels,” Ehsani says.
TheAmerican Diabetes Associationconfirms that more than 8 million Americans meet the criteria as we speak, yet are living undiagnosed. It’s tough toreceive a diagnosisor even know that something might be “off” if you don’t visit your health care provider regularly.
“One way to be better informed about your health is to get yearly physicals with your doctor, complete with blood work. If diabetes runs in your family, it would also be important that you regularly check your blood sugar levels and A1C,” Ehsani says. “A1C looks at what your blood sugar has been for the previous three months. Prediabetes can be prevented. If you do have elevated blood sugar levels or your levels are in the prediabetes range, it can be reversed.”
Keep Tabs on Your Blood Sugar Levels
If you have been diagnosed with type 2, it’s vital to follow your doctor’s treatment plan carefully and monitor your blood sugar levels between doctor’s appointments as well.
“Poor blood sugar control is associated with worsening cognitive function. So one of the best ways to protect your brain if you have diabetes is to monitor your blood sugar levels and keep them as close to your target range as possible. This is key for managing diabetes and preventing diabetes complications, including cognitive decline,” Licalzi says.
Include Protein and Fiber in Every Meal and Snack
As you consume carbs, pairing them with foods containing protein and fiber can help balance blood sugar, Ehsani says.
Instead of plain white pasta with Alfredo, scoop up a serving ofwhole-wheat noodles with chicken and marinara sauce. Or during your 3 p.m. vending machine run, choose the bag of almonds rather than the pack of sour gummies.
If you’re curious about an overall meal plan, the Mediterranean diet, a plant-based diet and the DASH diet are among the best for diabetes, Licalzi says.
Eat More Omega-3 Fats and Antioxidants
An overall brain-sharp meal plan includes these healthy fats and cell protectors.
“Foods rich in omega-3s are going to be your best protector for brain health. They reduce inflammation in the body, and foods high in healthy fats are the brain’s preferred source of fuel since the brain is composed mainly of fats,” Ehsani says. “Omega-3s have been shown to reduce cognitive decline and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease as well.”
Omega-3-rich foodsinclude fatty fish like salmon, herring, tuna and mackerel, and nuts and seeds, including walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil and hemp seeds.
Antioxidants are notable for their ability to act as “armor” for cells to reduce the chances of damage from external forces. Plus, research published in 2022 hints that some antioxidant-rich foods may lower the risk for dementia.
If physical activity is not part of your regular routine, begin with small and realistic steps. Walking is a great way to start andone of the best exercisesfor people living with prediabetes and diabetes.
The Bottom Line
Having type 2 diabetes or prediabetes has been proven to increase the risk for cognitive decline later in life, but certain healthy habits can act like a “helmet” to protect your mind and its abilities.
Beyond these top five tips, other chronic disease risk-reducers like managing stress, stopping smoking (if you currently smoke) and keeping youralcoholconsumption moderate can also help ameliorate the ancillary impacts of prediabetes and diabetes, Licalzi says. An overall healthy lifestyle can support your brain and body—and help you live sharper longer.
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