Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic disease that occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use it. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, affecting around 90% of people with diabetes.

High blood glucose levels can cause a variety of complications, including cardiovascular disease and nerve damage. However, recent research suggests that diabetes medication may also reduce the risk of dementia.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive function, including memory loss, difficulty communicating, and impaired judgement and personality changes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia can significantly impact quality of life, and there is currently no cure.

Diabetes medication and dementia risk

A new study published in the Journal of the American Association found that people with diabetes who took certain medications had a lower risk of developing dementia.

The researchers analyzed data from over 145,000 people with diabetes, aged 60 and older, between 2004 and 2015. They found that those who took drugs like metformin, sulfonylureas, and insulin had a 32-38% lower risk of developing dementia than those who didn’t take any diabetes medication.

The role of metformin

Metformin is a common medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Metformin has also been shown to have neuroprotective effects, meaning it may help prevent damage to the brain from conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that metformin appeared to improve cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment.

The connection between diabetes and dementia

One reason that diabetes medication may reduce the risk of dementia is that high blood glucose levels have been linked to cognitive decline.

When blood glucose levels are high, they can damage blood vessels in the brain, leading to decreased blood flow and oxygen to the brain. This can cause brain cells to die, which can result in dementia. Controlling blood glucose levels with medication can help prevent this damage from occurring.

Other ways to reduce dementia risk

In addition to taking diabetes medication, there are several other things you can do to reduce your risk of developing dementia. These include:.

Exercise regularly
Eat a healthy diet
Get enough sleep
Stay socially active
Engage in mentally stimulating activities, like puzzles or learning a new skill

Closing thoughts

While there is currently no cure for dementia, taking diabetes medication like metformin may help reduce the risk of developing this debilitating condition.

However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the connection between diabetes medication and dementia risk. In the meantime, adopting lifestyle habits that support overall health and well-being may also help reduce your risk of developing dementia.