Diabetics get a mental boost from keeping blood sugar at a safe level

By Mirielle Cailles CTW Features

For patients with type2 diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels has always been important for managing their condition. But according to researchers, managing these levels will also prove beneficial for cognitive functioning.

Studies across 52 sites in the U.S. and Canada found an inverse relationship between average blood glucose levels over a period of two to three months and a subject?s scores on cognitive tests. ?The tests used in the study measured several aspects of memory function,? said Jeff Williamson, M.D., principal investigator for the study at the Wake Forest clinical site. ?For example, we tested one?s ability to switch back and forth between memory tasks or to ?multitask,? an important skill for people needing to manage their diabetes.?

The study, which administered cognitive tests to nearly 3,000 adults over the age of 55, showed a one percent increase in average blood glucose levels corresponded to slightly lower scores on tests of psychomotor speed, global cognitive function, memory and multiple task management. However, there was no association between daily glucose levels and test scores.

?One of the little known complications of type 2 diabetes is memory decline leading to dementia, particularly Alzheimer?s dementia,? said Williamson, a professor of internal medicine, director of gerontology and geriatrics research. ?This study adds to the growing evidence that poorer blood glucose control is strongly associated with poorer memory function and that these associations can be detected well before a person develops severe memory loss.?

Williamson recommends that doctors and caretakers give patients adequate time to absorb information about diabetes care. ?Patients also need to be open to having a family member periodically making sure they are keeping track of managing their diabetes through monitoring, diet, exercise and medication.?

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