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New research links type 2 diabetes to Alzheimer’s risk

Category: Diabetes

A positive HbA1c test for type 2 diabetes may put an individual at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, as a new study has shown that the two conditions are closely linked.

Investigators from Kyushu University in Japan analyzed the blood sugar levels of a group of more than 1,000 participants and tracked their mental health for an average period of 11 years. The results showed that 27 percent of diabetics ended up developing Alzheimer’s disease, while only about 20 percent of non-diabetics experienced cognitive impairment.

The researchers said their finding have important implications due to the fact that more and more people are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This could mean that many more people will also suffer from Alzheimer’s disease than currently projected.

"Our findings emphasize the need to consider diabetes as a potential risk factor for dementia," said lead researcher Yutaka Kiyohara. "Diabetes is a common disorder, and the number of people with it has been growing in recent years all over the world. Controlling diabetes is now more important than ever."