The escalating trend of early-onset Type 2 diabetes brings a hidden peril: Those living longer with the disease show signs of brain structure changes, potentially setting the stage for cognitive challenges such as dementia at younger ages.
The Silent Effects of Type 2 Diabetes on Brain Health
Most think of blood sugar charts and insulin injections when “diabetes” comes to mind. Yet, this condition has broader implications—particularly on the brain.A recent
study on Pima American Indians—known for their high rates of Type 2 diabetes—revealed unsettling results. Those with long-term diabetes showed significant brain changes, such as decreased cortical thickness and an increase in white matter hyperintensities, often linked to early dementia signs.
“This is among the first times that alterations of the brain’s structure have been associated with duration of diabetes,” Evan Reynolds, research fellow and lead statistician for the NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies at Michigan Medicine and first author of the study, said in a
statement.
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The study also found that diabetes complications, such as chronic kidney disease and nerve damage to the heart, were strongly associated with these negative brain changes.
Yet, puzzlingly, the cognitive function of these participants didn’t align directly with the physical alterations in their brains.
“The brain cortex controls several functional domains,“ the authors told The Epoch Times. ”It is possible that cortical thinning occurs well ahead of anticipated cognitive changes, so we observed the former but not the latter.”
The Alarming Rise in Youth Diabetes
Worldwide, Type 2 diabetes is increasingly affecting younger demographics—a concerning trend given recent findings. Consider the implications: An individual diagnosed in their 20s may face severe brain changes by their 40s.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
reports that Type 2 diabetes diagnoses in children aged 10 to 19 have doubled since 2003.
Projections suggest a 673 percent rise in young patients by 2060, with non-Hispanic Black youth disproportionately affected.
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“Increases in diabetes—especially among young people—are always worrisome, but these numbers are alarming,” Christopher Holliday, current director for the Division of Diabetes Translation at the CDC, said in a
statement.
While poor diets, inactivity, and obesity have traditionally been linked to diabetes, a recent twist adds to the concern. A 2023 JAMA Network Open
study found that contracting COVID-19 raises the diabetes risk by 5 percent.
This early diabetes onset is ominous for brain health. Prolonged periods of elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance can hasten cognitive decline. Young patients could, thus, confront these issues during their prime years, affecting their work and personal lives.
Dr. Dana Dabelea, a leading scholar on the youth onset of Type 2 diabetes and co-author of a pivotal
study from SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth, warns of the looming crisis.
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“Type 2 diabetes is a strong risk factor for cognitive decline. Given the increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the aging U.S. population, we could be on the cusp of a compounded epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment syndromes,“ she told The Epoch Times. ”What’s even more alarming is the younger age at which these cognitive impairment syndromes might start appearing in adults with Type 2 diabetes due to the surge in youth-onset Type 2 diabetes.”
The Interplay Between Diabetes and Cognitive Decline
Diabetes affects more than just insulin. Chronic high blood sugar levels can disrupt the brain’s networks. Chronic inflammation, often spurred by diabetes, might be a key player in these cognitive shifts.The connection between Type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline is increasingly evident, and Type 2 diabetes is now a
recognized risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association
emphasized the dangers of prolonged high blood sugar in a February statement: “When diabetes is not controlled, too much sugar remains in the blood. Over time, this can damage organs, including the brain.”
Interestingly, Alzheimer’s patients and those with Type 2 diabetes have reduced brain capacity to use glucose—a hint at a potential link between the conditions. This has led some scientists to dub Alzheimer’s as “Type 3 diabetes.”
A JAMA
study connected diabetes and rapid cognitive decline in seniors. Tracking 10,095 individuals, the results showed an early diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes hinted at higher dementia risk in the future. Those who battled diabetes for a decade or more before turning 70 were more than twice as likely to grapple with dementia than their nondiabetic peers.
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“Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of age at onset of diabetes and cardiovascular comorbidity in persons with diabetes for risk of dementia,” the authors concluded.
Current Cognitive Screening Practices for Diabetics
Several notable professional bodies have addressed the intersection of diabetes and cognitive health.“Screening for early detection of mild cognitive impairment or dementia should be performed for adults 65 years or older at the initial visit, annually, and as appropriate,” the document reads. The Endocrine Society echoes this sentiment, recommending a similar onset for cognitive evaluations at age 65.
While the spotlight on seniors is understandable, given the higher risks associated with aging, the pertinent question remains: Are younger adults with diabetes being overlooked? Recognizing the progressive nature of both diabetes and cognitive decline, the need for early detection and intervention is paramount.
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Dr. Dabelea further highlights this gap. “I think we need better screening tools, tools which are less time-consuming, do not always require complex neuropsychological tests, are more accepted by patients (including younger patients),” she told The Epoch Times. “We need tools that are more accurate in identifying mild cognitive impairment, a condition that puts people at high risk to develop dementia, but is potentially reversible.”
Natural Combat Strategies Beyond Medication
Modern health care has a rich toolkit for diabetes management. Still, many patients are now looking to reverse the disease, not just manage it.“Currently, the major clinical focus in Type 2 diabetes patients is to control blood glucose levels using medication, which is not always successful. Patients with Type 2 diabetes frequently have other comorbid conditions, such as obesity, dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipid profiles), and hypertension. We now recommend a more holistic approach,” the Pima study authors told The Epoch Times.
Natural strategies, from dietary shifts to physical activity, have shown promising results. Experts advocate for low-carb, high-fiber diets rich in whole foods. Processed items, refined sugars, and certain carbohydrates should be avoided.
Emerging
research also suggests that meal timing, specifically intermittent fasting, can be a game-changer for many diabetics.
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“Type 2 diabetes need not be a life sentence. By adopting lifestyle changes, especially in diet and exercise, diabetes remission is attainable,” researcher Dongbo Liu said in a
statement. “Our studies reveal that approaches like intermittent fasting and Chinese Medical Nutrition Therapy (CMNT) can induce diabetes remission. Such findings have significant implications, especially when considering the over 537 million global adults grappling with the condition.”
Regular physical activity remains essential, complemented by robust stress management strategies.
Embracing a holistic approach doesn’t just target the physical symptoms of diabetes. Emphasizing the importance of comprehensive wellness, these strategies can protect against potential cognitive decline.
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