AskNadia: Does Diabetes Increases My Risk for Alzheimer
Why is being a diabetic increase my chances for having Alzheimer?
Debbie Johnson
Michigan
Dear Debbie,
Alzheimer, like type 2 diabetes is an aging disease. What they have in common; both are a result of chronic insulin resistance.
For people living with diabetes, insulin resistance can affect eyes, feet, nerves, and kidneys. The body’s inability to metabolize sugar and convert it to energy affects the brain. The brain needs insulin for the synapses; the transmitting component of the nerve cell, to work properly.
For people living with Alzheimer, their diagnosis is thought to be a result of insulin resistance. The brains inability to use glucose properly impairs its ability to function.
The by-product of insulin resistance accounts for a higher probability of an Alzheimer diagnosis; especially for people living with diabetes.
People with pre-diabetes are at risk because their insulin resistance can be a precursor to an Alzheimer diagnosis later in life.
Some healthcare professionals refer to Alzheimer as Type 3 diabetes because, like Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance is a contributing factor to an Alzheimer diagnosis.
The American Diabetes Association does not define or use the term Type 3 diabetes. However, in the diabetes community, Type 3 diabetes is referred to the family members who take care of a loved one, living with diabetes.
I am stating the obvious when I say, the best way to decrease your probability of getting diagnosed with Alzheimer is to be proactive when you experience insulin resistance. Diet, exercise and testing your blood sugar frequently, can be an insurance policy to impede or avert an Alzheimer diagnosis.
Here is a great short video on YouTube about Alzheimer.
AskNadia and receive her unique perspective on your question.
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Disclaimer:
Nadia’s feedback on your question is in no way intended to initiate or replace your healthcare professionals therapy or advice. Please check in with your medical team to discuss your diabetes management concerns.
About Nadia:
Nadia was not only born into a family with diabetes but also married into one. She was propelled at a young age into “caretaker mode,” and with her knowledge of the scarcity of resources, support, and understanding for people with diabetes, co-founded Diabetes Interview now Diabetes Health magazine.
Nadia holds 11 nominations for her work as a diabetes advocate. Her passion for working in the diabetes community stemmed from her personal loss. She has used her experience as a caretaker to forge a career in helping others.
She has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, and other major cable networks. Her publications, medical supply business and website have been sited, recognized and published in Herb Caen, WSJ, Ann Landers, Lee Iacocca, Entrepreneur magazine, Houston News, Phili.com, Brand Week, Drug Topics and many other media outlets.
