🧠 Diabetes and Dementia Risk – A Meta Analysis

People with diabetes, especially early in their diagnosis, face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia.

Published In: Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome
Date: May 2024
Authors: Cao et al.
Link to Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11092065/

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Summary

This large-scale meta-analysis pooled data from over 10 million people and found that having diabetes increases the risk of developing dementia by 59%. The risk is especially high within the first five years after diagnosis and for individuals who experience hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes. Interestingly, long-term blood sugar control markers like HbA1c did not significantly alter dementia risk, highlighting that the presence of diabetes itself, and acute complications like hypoglycemia, may be more critical factors.

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Key Takeaways

✅ Diabetes increases dementia risk by 59%.
✅ Risk is 29% higher within the first five years of diabetes diagnosis.
✅ Experiencing hypoglycemia raises dementia risk by 56%.
✅ Early management and prevention of hypoglycemic episodes may help reduce cognitive decline risk.

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Why It Matters for You

If you have diabetes or are at risk, it’s important to manage the condition early and avoid low blood sugar episodes. Staying consistent with monitoring and working with your healthcare team may help protect your brain as well as your body.

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Citation

Cao, F., Yang, F., Li, J., et al. (2024). The relationship between diabetes and the dementia risk: a meta-analysis. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, 16:101. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11092065/