Is there a link between Type 2 diabetes and dementia?
Research has shown that Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of dementia, but careful management can help improve brain health.
Key takeaways
- When you have Type 2 diabetes and sugar stays in the blood too long, it can damage blood vessels in the brain and lead to cognitive decline.
- Research has shown that Type 2 diabetes increases your risk for dementia; the longer you have diabetes and the more severe it is, the higher your risk.
- Diabetes management also supports brain health—including keeping blood sugar under control, regularly exercising, challenging your brain, and more.
You may have heard that Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of certain health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease. And it does. But did you know it also increases your risk for dementia?
Here, we explain the connection, so you can protect both your body and your mind.
How does diabetes affect the brain?
When you have Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin effectively. Insulin is what helps turn sugar into energy. Without it, sugar stays in the blood too long.
Long-term high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, like the ones leading to the brain. This damage, combined with inflammation, often affects brain cells, eventually leading to dementia or other forms of cognitive decline.
Dementia includes several conditions that interfere with brain or cognitive function, including memory, reasoning, and communication. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
What increases your risk for dementia?
Many factors can increase your risk for dementia, including Type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that your risk for dementia goes up the longer you have diabetes and if it’s more severe. Your risk also increases when combined with:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Drinking excess alcohol
- Family history of dementia
- Older age
Ways to improve brain health
A lot of healthy habits that help with diabetes also help with brain health—and can slow down dementia.
Keep blood sugar under control
Track your blood sugar so you know what raises and lowers it. Most people with diabetes use a blood sugar meter (glucometer) or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Standard targets for blood sugar include:
- 80–130 mg/dL before eating
- Less than 180 mg/dL after eating
You can also manage your blood sugar by:
- Eating at regular times and watching portion sizes
- Not skipping meals
- Choosing foods lower in sugar, salt, and saturated fat
- Swapping sweets with fruit
- Drinking water instead of soda
- Limiting alcohol
Exercise regularly
Physical activity is good for your body and your mind. Most experts recommend getting 150 minutes of physical activity per week, which is about 20 minutes per day.
If the gym isn’t your thing, try walking. Simply moving around can help improve your health.
Get quality sleep
Do what you can to get 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Sleep quality is just as important as quantity. Going to bed and waking up at around the same time each day and night can help, along with proper sleep hygiene.
Challenge your brain
Your brain is like a muscle—you need to use it to keep it strong and toned. Doing puzzles, learning new things, and socializing with others are great ways to give your brain a workout.
Quit smoking
Smoking increases your risk for dementia and other conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. Get help with quitting to improve all aspects of your health.
Manage stress levels
Stress can have negative effects on your health and make conditions worse. Discover what reduces stress for you. What helps you relax?
Support groups are one option to help you learn about your condition and connect with others going through a similar experience.
When to talk to a provider
If you or a loved one notices memory issues, trouble focusing, or changes in thinking and problem-solving skills, talk to your provider. An early diagnosis can make a difference in managing diabetes and cognitive decline.
At LCMC Health, our primary care providers support every part of your health—from blood sugar to brain function. They can refer you to a diabetes specialist, who can help you find ways to manage Type 2 diabetes and lower your dementia risk.
Learn about personalized diabetes care in New Orleans.
Related questions about diabetes
Does low blood sugar affect the brain, too?
Yes, both high and low blood sugar can hurt the brain. When blood sugar is low, the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen.
What is “Type 3” diabetes?
Type 3 diabetes isn’t an official medical term, but some professionals have started using it to describe the connection between Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
What’s the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when the body makes enough insulin but doesn’t use it effectively. Many associate Type 2 diabetes more with lifestyle habits. You cannot fully prevent Type 1 diabetes.
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