Diabetes throws insulin levels out of whack, which can then lead to a host of serious health problems throughout your body. New evidence finds that it may even increase your risk for Alzheimer’s disease. A study in the journal Neurology found that men with low insulin levels at age 50 were nearly one-and-a-half times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than men with normal insulin levels.
About 2,300 Swedish men had glucose testing at age 50 to check for diabetes. They were then followed for 32 years. “Our results suggest a link between insulin problems and the origins of Alzheimer's disease and emphasize the importance of insulin in normal brain function,” said study author Dr. Elina Ronnemaa.
The risk of Alzheimer's increased regardless of other risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, body-mass index, and education. “It's possible that insulin problems damage blood vessels in the brain, which leads to memory problems and Alzheimer's disease,” Dr. Ronnemaa said.
You can lower your risk for insulin problems by controlling the primary risk factor for diabetes: excess weight. Ask your doctor for tips on how to keep your weight in check with healthy diet and exercise habits.
SOURCES: Neurology; National Library of Medicine
46223 07/24/08
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