The impact of Diabetes on brain health.
Diabetes is much more than just a sugar problem. It is a condition that affects your blood vessels, your metabolism, and your brain. Large studies show that people with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of memory problems and dementia. That is why diabetes is an important factor within the LIBRA score.
Type 2 diabetes, in particular, plays a role in this. This form often develops gradually and is accompanied by elevated blood sugar levels for years, without the person feeling truly ill. It is precisely in this silent phase that damage can already occur.
In diabetes, the amount of sugar in the blood is persistently too high. This is because the body is less sensitive to insulin, the hormone that transports sugar from the blood to the cells, or because not enough insulin is produced.
Diabetes is diagnosed if:
fasting blood sugar is elevated
or the HbA1c level is persistently too high
or if blood sugar-lowering medication is necessary
Even a precursor, often called prediabetes, is already associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and possibly accelerated brain aging.
Damage to blood vessels
Prolonged elevated blood sugar damages the vessel walls. This occurs not only in the large vessels but also particularly in the very small blood vessels in the brain. This results in micro-damages that are associated with slower thinking and memory problems.
Inflammation and oxidative stress
Diabetes is often accompanied by low-grade inflammation and increased oxidative stress. These processes also play a role in brain aging and dementia.
Disrupted energy supply to brain cells
Brain cells need glucose, but in a stable and well-regulated form. Large fluctuations in blood sugar make it more difficult for brain cells to function efficiently.
Accumulation of risk factors
Diabetes often occurs together with high blood pressure, overweight, and high cholesterol. This combination increases the risk of cognitive decline more than each factor individually.
“My sugar is only slightly elevated, so it's not that bad”
Even mild elevations, if they persist for years, can cause damage to blood vessels and the brain. It's not just about spikes, but the average over time.
“If I take medication, I don't need to do anything else”
Medication helps, but lifestyle remains important. Exercise, nutrition, and sleep directly affect how stable your blood sugar is.
“Diabetes is a part of aging”
Diabetes is more common with age, but it's not an inevitable part of aging. Improvements are possible at any age.
“Walking occasionally is pointless” Regular, moderate exercise has a strong effect on how sensitive your body is to insulin. Even short walks count.
If you have diabetes, always make changes together with your general practitioner or diabetes nurse. However, many steps are within your own control.
Pay attention to the composition of your meals
Not only what you eat, but also how you combine it, makes a difference. Whole grain products, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats provide more stable blood sugar than quick sugars and white flour.
Exercise regularly
Exercise makes your body more sensitive to insulin. Daily physical activity, preferably spread throughout the day, helps to smooth out blood sugar spikes. A short walk after a meal can already have an effect.
Work towards a healthy weight
If you are overweight, a small weight loss can already lead to better sugar levels. Large, rapid diets are not necessary and often unsustainable.
Maintain structure
Regular meal times, sufficient sleep, and routine in your day help to keep your blood sugar more stable.
With diabetes, it is important to:
regularly monitor blood sugar and HbA1c
consider blood pressure and cholesterol in the overall picture
use medication as agreed
discuss side effects or doubts, do not ignore them
Proper diabetes management not only reduces the risk of complications but also helps maintain cognitive function.
Extra support is useful if:
your values remain high despite efforts
you experience large fluctuations
fatigue or sadness makes it difficult to persist
In that case, guidance from a dietitian, lifestyle coach, or practice supporter can help make steps achievable.
At Remind, we've gathered the 15 most important modifiable factors for you. You can view each one individually and read about ways to manage them:
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