There is no doubt that diabetes and Alzheimer’s can go hand-in-hand. In fact, several years ago, experts labeled some cases of Alzheimer’s as type 3 diabetes.

But the mechanism behind the connection has been hard to figure out. After years of research, however, researchers believe they can answer why blood sugar problems and dementia are intertwined, and why people with diabetes may have a harder time escaping the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques — key hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.

Here’s what you need to know…

Leaving beta-amyloid to be stored in the brain

A study led by researchers at Umeå University, Sweden, measured blood concentrations of beta-amyloids (known as Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42) and an enzyme that breaks down those plaque proteins, in a test group of people with type 2 diabetes versus a healthy control group.

To determine why diabetics are so much more likely to end up with plaques in the brain, the researchers gave both groups an infusion of glucose for four hours, to induce acute high blood sugar levels.

And as it turns out, while the bodies of the healthy control subjects began to immediately pump out that plaque-busting enzyme and break down the beta-amyloids — those with blood sugar problems weren’t so lucky.

In fact, the results showed that among the group with type 2 diabetes, there were no changes whatsoever. This means there was no increase in output of the enzyme needed to break down the plaque-forming proteins so the levels of beta-amyloid did not decrease.

In other words, when a healthy person experiences high blood sugar, their body goes into overdrive to prevent dementia.

But when people with type 2 diabetes have blood sugar spikes, beta-amyloid is allowed to form — without check — leaving it to be then stored in the brain where it could lead to cognitive decline, such as is seen in Alzheimer’s.

Saving your brain from blood sugar dangers

So, if you’re living with blood sugar problems and want to keep your brain at its best, managing your blood sugar in check is a must. You may be under a doctor’s care, but there’s more you can do to improve your condition. Some people are even able to put type 2 diabetes in remission with lifestyle changes.

Here are some that can help:

1. Exercise – Physical activity helps to boost your insulin sensitivity and can help you shed a few pounds — an added bonus that can lead to better blood sugar maintenance.
2. Add more fiber and whole grains – Fiber is a disease-fighting must-have and great for improving blood sugar control. Choose whole grains to help reduce diabetes risk.
3. Take vitamin D – Vitamin D helps regulate insulin and insulin sensitivity. This, in turn, regulates blood sugar. So that means that having adequate vitamin D levels is very important.
4. Eat Mediterranean – The Mediterranean diet was voted the best diet for diabetes by U.S. News & World Report in 2019. Even better, research has shown it could have the power to prevent the buildup of those amyloid and tau proteins in the brain.
5. Snack on berries – Anthocyanins and rich levels of fiber are why berries have a powerful effect on blood sugar metabolism. Some of the best for promoting healthy blood sugar levels are aronia berries, blueberries and acai berries.

Sources:

Possible explanation for link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s – EurekAlert!

Mayo Clinic Minute: Is Alzheimer’s Type 3 diabetes? – Mayo Clinic