As a result, consequences including cardiovascular disease and renal impairment have often been linked to diabetes. On the other hand, poorly managed hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, also has a negative impact on brain health and is linked to memory loss, deteriorating cognitive function, and a higher risk of neurological conditions including stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Kunal Bahrani, Director of Neurology at Marengo Asia Hospital in Faridabad, described the effects of diabetes or elevated blood sugar on the brain in an interview with Jagran English.

What Effects Might Diabetes Have on Neurological Function?

Undoubtedly, one way diabetes affects the brain is via chronic inflammation. Oxidative stress brought on by the high glucose level damages the blood vessels that carry nutrition and oxygen to the brain. Vascular dementia, which is an irregularity in cognitive function brought on by decreased blood supply to the brain, may eventually develop from it.

Another significant effect is insulin resistance in the brain. Insulin has a crucial role in synaptic activity and neurotransmitter balance in addition to controlling blood sugar. Insulin interferes with neuronal transmission when the brain’s nerve cells develop resistance to it. Processing may stall and memory eases out once such a circumstance occurs. The term “type 3 diabetes” refers to the long-standing equivalence between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

Because diabetes negatively affects blood arteries, it increases the risk of stroke. Strokes are more prevalent when atherosclerosis, or the hardening and thickening of arteries, is favorably influenced by elevated glucose levels. Recurrent undiagnosed strokes may cause even minor problems, which might result in long-term, severe cognitive damage.

Tight blood sugar levels must be achieved via healthy eating, exercise, and medication as needed to avoid these problems. Additionally, keep an eye out for lifestyle choices like relaxation and stress reduction, since they have a significant impact on cognitive health.

People will take further actions to preserve brain function and lessen longer-term consequences if they are aware of the neurological effects of diabetes.