Most everyone knows the basic effects Type 2 diabetes has on the body: such as poor circulation, weight gain, excessive thirst, etc.
But how does it affect normal brain functions such as memory? The truth is, it has a lot more to do with your mental state than you might believe.
Most people are unaware that diabetes also contributes to memory loss and dementia.
Your brain is affected by your blood sugar levels: When you look at the brain, you see a tremendous amount of energy is derived from glucose.
In fact, glucose ranks as the most important fuel for the brain...
it is highly dependent on this fuel to get it through the day.
Allowing glucose levels to go out of balance not only affects an individual physically, but mentally, as well.
Unfortunately, the brain is not capable of storing glucose for future use so the excess amounts do not automatically guarantee longevity of brain function.
The result? When glucose levels are too high, certain parts of the brain called the dentate gyrus, experience aging memory loss from too much glucose.
Researchers have proven having blood sugar levels out of balance affects the memory of people with Type 2 diabetes.
At the heart of this system are neurotransmitters.
The brain relies on neurotransmitters for normal functioning, and memory and learning are dependent on this system in order to work correctly.
That's why diabetics experience mental fatigue, memory loss, and trouble concentrating.
Now, diabetics have another reason to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Their choices not only affect their physical being, but also how their mental state advances in years.
Eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables, maintaining stable and near to normal blood sugar levels, and exercising regularly, go a long way in keeping the brain healthy.
Want to add a little extra insurance to the mix? Routinely practice mental exercise that test your cognitive skills.
Researchers have found those individuals who regularly use their brains to solve thinking scenarios such as crossword puzzles, memory challenges, etc.
, will hold onto their mental capacity more than those who never challenge their thought process.
Just another classic case of "use it or lose it".
But how does it affect normal brain functions such as memory? The truth is, it has a lot more to do with your mental state than you might believe.
Most people are unaware that diabetes also contributes to memory loss and dementia.
Your brain is affected by your blood sugar levels: When you look at the brain, you see a tremendous amount of energy is derived from glucose.
In fact, glucose ranks as the most important fuel for the brain...
it is highly dependent on this fuel to get it through the day.
Allowing glucose levels to go out of balance not only affects an individual physically, but mentally, as well.
- Glucose is stored...
in the form of glycogen...
in your liver and muscle cells for future use.
The brain, however, is not capable of storing glucose as glycogen.
It is therefore dependent on an even and continuous supply of glucose from your blood. - Proper levels of glucose are maintained in the brain by means of cell barriers.
These barriers control both the input and the output of nutrients in the brain.
Since the amount of space reserved for glucose is very small, it is necessary to have an constant supply feeding the brain in order for it to maintain maximum efficiency.
Unfortunately, the brain is not capable of storing glucose for future use so the excess amounts do not automatically guarantee longevity of brain function.
The result? When glucose levels are too high, certain parts of the brain called the dentate gyrus, experience aging memory loss from too much glucose.
Researchers have proven having blood sugar levels out of balance affects the memory of people with Type 2 diabetes.
At the heart of this system are neurotransmitters.
The brain relies on neurotransmitters for normal functioning, and memory and learning are dependent on this system in order to work correctly.
That's why diabetics experience mental fatigue, memory loss, and trouble concentrating.
Now, diabetics have another reason to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Their choices not only affect their physical being, but also how their mental state advances in years.
Eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables, maintaining stable and near to normal blood sugar levels, and exercising regularly, go a long way in keeping the brain healthy.
Want to add a little extra insurance to the mix? Routinely practice mental exercise that test your cognitive skills.
Researchers have found those individuals who regularly use their brains to solve thinking scenarios such as crossword puzzles, memory challenges, etc.
, will hold onto their mental capacity more than those who never challenge their thought process.
Just another classic case of "use it or lose it".
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