In a new study, a group of scientists from all around the world came together to study diabetes in older people. They were led by researchers from Monash University in Australia.
They wanted to see if controlling blood sugar levels in older people with type 2 diabetes could reduce the risk of developing dementia.
To do this, they looked at a lot of data from a big health care provider called Kaiser Permanente Northern California.
They studied over 250,000 people who were 50 years old or older and had type 2 diabetes.
They tracked their blood sugar levels for about six years and looked at how many of them developed dementia.
The scientists found that people with higher blood sugar levels had a greater risk of developing dementia.
Specifically, people whose blood sugar levels were 9% or higher for most of the time were at the greatest risk.
The scientists also found that trying to control blood sugar levels too much could be harmful, especially for older people.
This is why the American Diabetes Association, American Geriatrics Society, Endocrine Society, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recommend that doctors should consider the risks and benefits of controlling blood sugar levels for each individual patient.
In conclusion, this study showed that controlling blood sugar levels in older people with type 2 diabetes can help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
However, doctors need to be careful not to try to control blood sugar levels too much, especially in older people who may be more vulnerable to harm.
Instead, doctors should work with each patient to find the best treatment plan based on their individual needs and circumstances.
How old people should prevent type 2 diabetes
Preventing type 2 diabetes is important for people of all ages, including older adults. Here are some ways that older people can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Older people can work with their healthcare provider to determine a healthy weight and develop a plan to achieve it.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help older people maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and improve overall health. Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Follow a healthy diet: A healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help older people maintain a healthy weight and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Monitor blood sugar levels: Older people should have their blood sugar levels checked regularly, especially if they have a family history of diabetes or other risk factors.
Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing many health problems, including type 2 diabetes. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce this risk.
Manage stress: Stress can raise blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Older people can manage stress by practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
Get enough sleep: Poor sleep habits, such as not getting enough sleep or poor-quality sleep, can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Older people should aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
By following these tips, older people can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve their overall health and well-being.
It’s essential to talk to a healthcare provider before making any significant lifestyle changes to ensure that they are safe and appropriate.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that MIND diet may reduce risk of vision loss disease, and Vitamin D could benefit people with diabetic neuropathic pain.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies that Vitamin E could help reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance in diabetes, and results showing eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
The study was conducted by Chris Moran et al and published in JAMA Neurology.
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