The gradual loss of the body’s ability to control blood sugar that leads to diabetes, may damage an area of the brain important to memory. A study was conducted of individuals who had an impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), a blood sugar that remains high after eating, although not elevated enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.
Individuals with IGT often develop Type 2 diabetes. Their brain scans showed that hippocampus, important to creating new memories, to be smaller than average and they scored lower than average on standard memory tests. This possibly may be because in diabetes, brain cells are unable to obtain enough glucose to fulfill their normal activities. Consequently, levels in the blood remain high as cells “starve” for energy. Scientists fell that his may gradually harm the brain centers involved in memory.
Taken from the proceedings of the Natural Academy of Sciences, Feb.18 2003
