This Morning: Type 2 diabetes can be 'devastating' says expert
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The researchers found that people with higher then normal blood sugar levels – including pre-diabetics – are more likely to experience cognitive decline if blood sugar levels aren’t controlled. This risk develops into vascular dementia the longer it’s left untreated. Data was gathered from the UK Biobank of 500,000 people aged 58 years old. Those with higher than normal blood sugar levels were 42 percent more likely to experience cognitive decline over an average of four years.
By eight years of higher than normal blood sugar levels, they were 54 percent more likely to develop vascular dementia.
The calculations remained true after other influential factors were taken into account, such as:
- Age
- Deprivation
- Smoking
- BMI
- Cardiovascular disease
Dr Victoria Garfield, the lead author of the study, commented on the findings.
“Our research shows a possible link between higher blood sugar levels – a state often described as ‘pre-diabetes’ – and higher risks of cognitive decline and vascular dementia.
“As an observational study, it cannot prove higher blood sugar levels cause worsening brain health.
“However, we believe there is a potential connection that needs to be investigated further.”
The peer-reviewed paper was published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
It highlights the importance of early diagnosis to minimise long-term risks associated with diabetes.
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The charity Diabetes UK stated around seven million people in the UK are estimated to have pre-diabetes.
Risk factors for developing pre-diabetes include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a close relative who had the condition
- High blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, or high triglycerides
- Over the age of 40
- Given birth to a baby who weighed over nine pounds
A fasting plasma glucose test (i.e. a blood sample) can be taken to diagnose pre-diabetes.
If you make healthy changes to your diet and exercise regularly, you can get your blood sugar levels to return to normal.
Do I already have type 2 diabetes?
The global diabetes community stated symptoms of the condition often develop gradually.
“It is important to catch the symptoms as early as possible to limit damage to the body,” advised the charity.
The most common sign of diabetes include:
- Polyuria – the need to urinate frequently, especially during the night
- Polyphagia – increased hunger that can’t be satisfied
- Polydipsia – increased thirst that can’t be satisfied
Other signs of type 2 diabetes include:
- Fatigue, especially after eating
- Blurred vision
- Genital itchiness
- Slow healing wounds
- Sudden weight loss
- Regular yeast infections
- Having a skin disorder, such as psoriasis or acanthuses nigricans
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes might be more noticeable following meal times.
It’s believed up to 850,000 adults could have type 2 diabetes and be unaware of it.
If you’re concerned you may have pre-diabetes, or diabetes, do speak to your GP.
To prevent diabetes, it’s really important to maintain a healthy weight, eat healthily and move your body often.
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