People with diabetes can experience various health complications if they do not routinely control blood sugar levels and monitor their health conditions. These health complications can affect various body organs, including the brain. This can make diabetics at high risk of developing dementia or senile.
People who are senile or show symptoms of dementia experience a disruption in the part of the brain that causes the process of learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking to be disrupted. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common types of dementia. Then, what does this disease have to do with diabetes?
Relationship between Diabetes and Dementia
Although more research is still needed, it is now known that the older the sufferer of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, the more risk he has of dementia. Below are some possible causes:
1. Nerve damage
Diabetics are prone to experience an increase or decrease in extreme blood sugar levels due to interference with the effects of the hormone insulin. As a result, brain nerve cells cannot use blood sugar as an energy source.
This is why thinking ability can be disrupted if glucose levels are too high or too low. In severe conditions, this condition can even cause nerve damage because the brain lacks energy.
2. Blood flow to the brain is not smooth
Uncontrolled diabetes in the long run can increase inflammation in the body, so the risk of damaging blood vessels. If blood vessel damage occurs in the brain, blood flow to the brain can be disrupted so that Alzheimer's disease appears.
3. Beta amyloid protein levels increase
High blood sugar levels are also associated with high levels of a protein called beta amyloid. This protein buildup can interfere with the brain's work and cut off signals between nerve cells of the brain, causing dementia symptoms.
4. Blood sugar levels that are too low
People who suffer from diabetes do tend to experience increased blood sugar levels. But after getting treatment, this blood sugar level can suddenly decrease. If blood sugar levels drop dramatically until hypoglycemia occurs, the brain nerve cells will lack energy, so that it is damaged.
People who experience this will have difficulty thinking and remembering, so that they appear confused. Blood sugar that is not well controlled this over time can cause dementia.
Ways to Not Senile Fast
Preventing and managing diabetes with medication and a healthy lifestyle is a way that can be done to prevent diabetes complications, one of which is dementia. For that, follow the following guidelines:
Monitor health conditions
Monitor your health condition regularly and obey the doctor's advice to keep blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure stable. Take medication according to the doctor's advice and follow the dietary settings given by the doctor.
Implement a healthy lifestyle
Come on, start making it a habit to eat healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meat, cheese, low-fat milk, and whole grains.
Routine exercise at least 30 minutes a day will also be very helpful, especially if you are overweight. Exercise can help body cells use insulin, and maintain blood sugar levels by flowing oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
In addition, avoid various bad habits that can endanger health, such as smoking and consuming drinks that contain alcohol.
Reducing stress
Diabetics who often experience stress will be prone to sleep disorders and brain nerve cell damage. Therefore, getting enough sleep and reducing stress are important steps to prevent diabetes and reduce the risk of dementia.
Although it looks simple, if consistently done, the steps above can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by more than 50%, you know. In addition, the steps above can help you prevent dementia and other complications from diabetes, such as stroke, kidney disease, and heart disease.
If you suffer from diabetes and begin to experience disturbances or difficulties in thinking and remembering, see your doctor immediately.
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