Keeping your blood sugar levels and your blood pressure under control, could be the way to keep your brain in good condition when you have Type 2 diabetes. This was shown to be the case in research results published in the Journal of Neurological Science, September 2010.
Both high blood sugar levels and elevated blood pressure are known for damaging blood vessels, and that includes those carrying oxygen and energy to your brain. Middle-aged women were studied to discover whether having both Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, or hypertension, could contribute to the decline in the workings of the brain.
Tests of brain function:
One hundred and thirteen women ranging in age between 49 and 63 with a diagnosis of both Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, were compared With 27 women aged 46 to 60 years with Type 2 diabetes but without hypertension
Eighty-seven per cent of the ladies with both diabetes and hypertension showed a definite decline in their mental function. Only 70% of these volunteers with diabetes, but with normal blood pressure, showed signs of mental decline. It was therefore concluded that having both Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure was associated with more mental decline than just having diabetes alone.
Type 2 diabetes and hypertension often coexist: The lesson from this study is that controlling both conditions is important to prevent mental decline.
Treat high blood pressure: Your blood pressure deserves every bit as much attention as your blood sugar if you have Type 2 diabetes, even if you have pre-diabetes. Actually high blood pressure may even be a bigger issue than your blood sugar level. Hypertension increases the risk of blocked arteries not just to the brain, but to the heart, lower extremities and is a major contributor to kidney disease and eye disease in people with both Type 2 and pre-diabetes.
When diet and physical activity are not enough, medications can be lifesaving.
High blood sugar levels: High blood sugars are also known to impair concentration and memory. It can make your thinking ‘foggy’ and make it difficult for you to think quickly. Recent studies have also shown that compared to non-diabetics of a similar age, diabetics are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. It is thought the combination of high blood sugar and blood vessel damage contributes to dementia.
Also, most people with Type 2 diabetes have high insulin levels. Too much insulin in the body leads to excessive inflammation which also contributes to brain damage.
Prevention is better than cure: The risk factors for both high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels relate in one way or another to being overweight. So the good news is… this is in your control. Control your weight and you will find both your blood sugar levels and your blood pressure will be lower, along with your risk of developing any type of brain dysfunction.
To help you with your Type 2 diabetes, I would like you to claim your Free E-Book when you click on Answers to Your QuestionsThere you will find answers to the many question diabetics are asking.When you click this link you will see how you can: Beat The Belly Fat Blues Beverleigh Piepers RN… the Diabetes Detective.Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 – All Rights Reserved Worldwide
