Elevated Glucose Levels Increases Risk Of Dementia — Even in Non-Diabetic Patients
The term “pre” may mean “before,” but do not take for granted that just because you have not developed full onset type 2 diabetes that you do not have a very serious medical condition. Pre-diabetes is often viewed too casually by patients who think of pre-diabetes as merely a warning sign of being at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes. But pre-diabetes is more than just a risk factor; if you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes you already have abnormal blood sugar levels — you already have a serious medical condition.  Elevated blood sugar (blood glucose) levels, although not high enough to classify you as having diabetes are still damaging to your body over time and put you at higher risk for other serious conditions.
A new study known as the The Adult Changes In Thought (ACT) was recently published by the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, and affiliate investigator at the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle. They study suggests that even slightly elevated morning fasting blood sugar may be associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It has long been believed that having diabetes increases the risk of dementia, but this new study links non-diabetic patients who have even mildly elevated morning fasting glucose levels with their own increased risks:
…”Our results suggest that higher glucose levels may be a risk factor for dementia, even among persons without diabetes.”
The study is published in the August 8 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
More About This Study
- High Blood Glucose Linked to Dementia Even Without Diabetes. August 8, 2013, Medscape.
- What High Blood Sugar Could Do To Your Brain. August 13, 2013, Men’s Health News.
