If you’re in your 30s, 40s or 50s, dementia might feel like a distant concern, something you associate with advanced age. However, emerging research suggests that a common chronic condition, type 2 diabetes, may significantly increase your risk of developing dementia. 

“People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing dementia. Research also indicates that the risk of dementia increases with the longer duration of diabetes,” says Amy Kimberlain, M.S., RDN, CDCES, a certified diabetes care and education specialist and Academy media spokesperson. With more than 38 million Americans living with diabetes, understanding the connection and risk is essential.

What’s the Link Between Dementia and Type 2 Diabetes? 

Research has found that there’s a connection between type 2 diabetes and increased risk of dementia. Dementia is a syndrome that affects memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily tasks. This condition results from various diseases and injuries that damage the brain over time. What’s especially concerning is that type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common in younger individuals. Research suggests that those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a younger age may also develop dementia earlier in life.

Having type 2 diabetes has been associated with a 50% greater likelihood of all-cause dementia, says Susan Hudec, M.D., director of diabetes at Edward Elmhurst Hospitals and Endeavor Health. She explains that the connection is due to different factors, such as the following. 

Both our experts point out that people with type 2 diabetes often have other health concerns that also increase dementia risk. “People with diabetes are often more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. These are risk factors that overlap with dementia”, says Kimberlain. For this reason it’s important to keep diabetes well managed to minimize the risk of developing diabetes. 

High Blood Sugar Levels

People with type 2 diabetes may toggle between high and low blood sugar levels. “Consistently high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the brain,” explains Kimberlain. She notes that this damage can disrupt the brain’s blood supply, leading to vascular dementia. Additionally, it may cause the buildup of amyloid plaques, which are a key sign of Alzheimer’s disease, adds Kimberlain.

Low Blood Sugar Levels

On the flip side, low blood sugar levels (below 70 mg/DL) can also negatively impact the brain. Research suggests that repeated low blood sugar levels can damage the brain and accelerate cognitive decline. Therefore, it is all the more important to check blood sugar levels regularly throughout the day and recognize signs of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, confusion and fatigue. 

Insulin Resistance 

As the name implies, insulin resistance occurs when the body cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into cells for energy. Hudec explains that the link between Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes is also believed to be tied to insulin resistance. “The nerve cells in the brain can also become resistant to insulin, which contributes to the build-up of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain,” she says. Over time, this can lead to the accumulation of harmful proteins that damage brain cells and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

Increased Chronic Inflammation

“Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Both factors can damage brain cells, impair brain function and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia,” says Kimberlain. She explains that chronic inflammation is thought to contribute to the development of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease, which, as mentioned above, can damage nerve cells in the brain.

Kimberlain notes that, additionally, people with diabetes are often more likely to have other chronic-inflammation-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. “These are risk factors that overlap with dementia”, she says. For this reason, it’s important to keep diabetes well-managed to minimize the risk of developing dementia. 

How to Manage Type 2 Diabetes to Prevent Dementia

While it’s concerning that having type 2 diabetes may increase your risk of dementia, luckily, there are preventive steps you can take. A combination of lifestyle factors can help you manage type 2 diabetes and reduce your risk of developing other conditions like dementia.

• Monitor your blood sugar levels closely: One of the best indicators of how well type 2 diabetes is managed is by looking at your blood sugar levels.
• Get regular check-ups: Routine check-ins with your doctor can help determine if medicine adjustments are needed and monitor your lab values, blood pressure and weight, all of which impact diabetes and brain health. 
• Make exercise a part of your daily routine: Regular, consistent exercise can help keep blood sugar numbers in check and reduce inflammation.
• Keep stress at bay: Although we can’t get rid of stress altogether, research suggests finding ways to manage it can improve diabetes self-care and positively impact blood sugar levels. (9) Whether you find stress relief through exercise, yoga, meditation or calling a friend, these activities can help keep blood sugar levels in check.  
• Eat a well-balanced diet: Eating well-balanced meals can help manage type 2 diabetes and support brain health. Ensure you have a fiber-rich carb, protein and healthy fat on your plate to keep blood sugar stable. 

The Bottom Line

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition affecting millions of Americans, which increases your risk of other health conditions. Research has shown a link between type 2 diabetes and a higher risk of dementia. This connection is due to many factors like high and low blood sugar levels, insulin resistance and increased inflammation. 

To help lower your risk of developing dementia, there are several lifestyle changes you can start making today to manage your type 2 diabetes better. Keep a close eye on your blood sugar numbers, get regular check-ups, eat a well-balanced diet, incorporate exercise into your weekly routine and find ways to manage stress.