High blood sugar levels increase the risk of brain disease

Blood sugar levels can cause not only diabetes, but also may increase the risk of developing one type of elderly brain disease, namely dementia. This result was known through the study of 2,000 people.


Even so, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine does not directly prove that high blood sugar levels can lead to dementia.

The research reveals that seniors who have blood sugar levels of 105 to 120 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dL) has a risk of dementia 10-20 percent higher than those who have blood sugar levels below 100 mg / dL.

"These data suggest that higher levels of glucose adversely affects brain health," said lead researcher Dr. Paul Crane of the University of Washington, as reported by Reuters (07/08).

Meanwhile, people affected by diabetes, with blood sugar levels of 160 mg / dL may lead to increased dementia risk 40 percent higher. The results was obtained after the researchers also considered other factors such as gender, exercise, blood pressure, smoking habits, and others.

Unfortunately, this study did not determine whether lowering blood sugar levels can also reduce the risk of brain diseases such as dementia in the elderly. Even so, keep in mind that keeping blood sugar levels is not only important for health, but also for the sharpness of your brain.