Anyone, including people with diabetes, can take steps to protect their brain health. A healthy diet, regular exercise, blood pressure management, and social engagement all play a role in safeguarding cognitive function.
Physical activity may be particularly beneficial for the brain health of people with type 2 diabetes. A combination of resistance training and aerobic exercise may even help boost cognition.
At the very least, it seems that regular physical activity helps minimize the brain atrophy that can result from type 2 diabetes.
“Exercise is likely your biggest ally, along with [a] good diet that [minimizes] bad sugars and fats,” says Finney.
Careful blood sugar management may also offer protective benefits for brain health in people with diabetes.
Intensive blood sugar control efforts may reduce the rate of cognitive decline and protect existing cognitive function in older adults.
But strict blood sugar goals can be too difficult to manage (and therefore aren’t recommended) for people with severe diabetes complications or cognitive or functional impairments.
“Using medications to keep blood sugar well controlled is important,” adds Finney. “Evidence over the decades suggests that some classes of medications used for diabetes may help some people with Alzheimer’s disease, but that’s an area of ongoing research.”
“Ensure that your diabetes is well controlled by visiting your primary care doctor or endocrinologist,” says Adimoolam. “If it’s not, then ask your doctor how you might be able to get to your goals.”
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