Diabetes Linked to Cognitive Problems

Severe or Long-Term Diabetes Increases Risk of Memory Problems

Aug. 12, 2008 -- Adults who have severe or long-term diabetes or who develop the disease before age 65 have an increased risk of mild but noticeable memory problems.

Researchers reporting in the August issue of Archives of Neurology have linked mild cognitive impairment to earlier onset, longer duration, and greater severity of diabetes.

Mild cognitive impairment is a condition marked by mild forgetfulness, language difficulties, and other cognitive problems that are noticeable but do not interfere with everyday tasks. It is considered a transition stage between normal aging and dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), according to the journal article.

The new findings confirm results from previous studies, which have suggested an association between diabetes and declining cognitive function. Diabetes also raises one's risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, which can make cognitive problems more likely.

For the current study, Rosebud O. Roberts, MBChB, and colleagues at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., compared 329 adults aged 70 to 89 with mild cognitive impairment to 1,640 people of the same age who did not have any type of cognitive impairment. Each participant had a neurological exam, neuropsychological evaluation, and lab work to measure fasting blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Researchers asked the participants questions about their diabetes history, treatment, and complications. Medical records were used to confirm their diabetes history.

Similar rates of diabetes were noted between the two groups (20.1% for the impaired group vs. 17.7% for the unimpaired participants).

However, those with mild cognitive impairment were more likely to:

Have developed diabetes before age 65

Have had the disease for 10 or more years

Require insulin treatment

Have complications of the disease

Roberts' team says severe diabetes is more likely to be associated with poorly controlled blood sugars, which can damage nerve cells in the brain and lead to cognitive impairment.

Diabetes-related damage to blood vessels may also lead to cognitive problems. People with diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects small blood vessels in the eyes, are twice as likely to have mild cognitive impairment, a finding that supports this theory, study authors add.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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