Recent research findings have shed new light on the relationship between type 2 diabetes and brain-related health issues such as dementia, and how adopting a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate associated risks. Three studies published in August focused on type 2 diabetes and its complications, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Maintaining stable hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels over time was found to reduce dementia risk, while a healthy lifestyle was shown to counteract accelerated brain aging associated with diabetes.
In the United States, nearly 15% of adults over 18 had diabetes in 2021, with more than 90% having type 2 diabetes. The global prevalence of diabetes is expected to rise significantly over the next 20 years. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to respond properly to insulin or develops insulin resistance, leading to decreased insulin production by the pancreas. Peer-reviewed studies related to type 2 diabetes are regularly reported on by Medical News Today, providing insights into the link between type 2 diabetes and brain health, as well as expert perspectives on prevention and management strategies.
A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open on August 2 revealed that an individual’s HbA1c levels over time can be a crucial factor in predicting dementia risk. Maintaining stable A1C levels within optimal ranges was associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in older adults. Using HbA1c time in range (TIR) to assess blood sugar levels over time proved to be a more effective method than standard A1C levels. Higher HbA1c TIR indicated more stable blood sugar levels, while lower TIR suggested greater instability. The study involved a large sample of veterans with diabetes, showing that maintaining A1c levels within target ranges reduced dementia risk.
Another study published on August 28 in Diabetes Care highlighted the increased risk of accelerated brain aging associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Analysis of MRI brain scans of over 31,000 individuals revealed that both prediabetes and diabetes were linked to an older brain age compared to chronological age. However, engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors such as high physical activity, nonsmoking, and abstaining from heavy alcohol consumption was shown to reduce the gap between brain age and chronological age in individuals with diabetes. While causality has not been established, the findings reinforce the importance of lifestyle interventions in managing diabetes and promoting brain health.
Scott Kaiser, MD, a board certified geriatrician, emphasized the significance of the study’s findings in targeting lifestyle interventions to improve brain health and manage diabetes effectively. Lead author Abigail Dove, a PhD student at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, highlighted the need to understand the role of diabetes and prediabetes in early brain aging to protect the brain health of individuals with diabetes as they age. These studies provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of a healthy lifestyle in mitigating risks associated with type 2 diabetes and brain-related health issues, emphasizing the importance of proactive management and prevention strategies for individuals living with diabetes.
