People who tend to experience spikes in blood sugar levels in the hours after eating may be at higher risk for common infections. brain disorder.
New University of Liverpool-led research analyzed using UK Biobank genetic data According to a press release, more than 350,000 people between the ages of 40 and 69 are eligible.
The researchers looked at genetic markers related to how the body processes sugar and compared disease rates in people genetically predisposed to high blood sugar levels using a method called Mendelian randomization.
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They determined that people who had elevated blood sugar levels two hours after eating (a condition called postprandial hyperglycemia) were 69% more likely to develop the disease. alzheimer’s disease.
In these participants, the disease was not associated with changes in brain size or evidence of damage.
Other markers of glycemic regulation, such as fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, and measures of insulin resistance, were not significantly associated with Alzheimer’s risk, the researchers noted.
The results of this study were published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism.
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“This finding highlights the importance of managing not only overall blood sugar levels, but especially postprandial blood sugar levels, and may help shape future prevention strategies,” lead author Dr. Andrew Mason said in the release.
Tanya Freilich, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist in North Carolina, said the association between increased genetic risk for high blood sugar and Alzheimer’s disease is consistent. previous research.
“Over time, high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of memory and learning disabilities,” Freilich, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
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“The brain relies on glucose for fuel, so limiting glucose sources due to blood vessel damage can further impair the brain’s functional connectivity. Excess glucose also impairs brain function.”
Erin Palinsky Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian, agreed that the study points to postprandial blood sugar control as a potential brain-protective target.
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“This study suggests that when it comes to brain health, it’s not just about being healthy or not. someone has diabetes What matters is how much blood sugar rises within two hours after eating,” Palinsky-Wade, who was also not involved in the new study, told Fox News Digital.
“Interestingly, traditional fasting blood sugar and insulin levels were not associated with Alzheimer’s disease risk. This suggests that if we focus only on fasting tests and ignore what happens after a meal, we may be missing part of the picture.”
Relationship with blood sugar spikes Dementia outcomes It has not been confirmed in another Alzheimer’s disease genetic dataset, raising questions about whether the findings apply to the broader population, the paper notes.
UK Biobank participants also tended to be limited to healthier white British participants.
“To confirm the association and better understand the underlying biology, these results first need to be replicated in other populations and ancestry,” lead author Dr. Vicki Garfield said in the release.
There is also a risk that some dementia diagnoses may be inaccurate or missed entirely, as this study relies on: medical records and self-report.
“If validated, this study could pave the way for new approaches to reducing the risk of dementia in people with diabetes.”
While some people may have a genetic predisposition to spike blood sugar levels after eating, Freilich noted that dietary choices can have a big impact.
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she recommends eating balanced diet This includes vegetables, protein, and complex carbohydrates, as well as reducing your intake of excess sugar and choosing whole grains instead of refined grains.
The expert is also a proponent of increasing fiber intake, noting that adults should aim for 25 to 35 grams per day.
“Dietary fiber helps improve Blood sugar stabilityBut it’s also beneficial for heart health, digestion, and reducing inflammation, all of which contribute to improved brain health,” Freilich said.
She also suggests limiting sodas, juices, sugary tea and coffee drinks, and limiting desserts.
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“In addition to diet, short explosion of activity “Taking a walk after a meal can also help reduce the rise in blood sugar levels after a meal,” Freilich said.
People with questions about their blood sugar levels should discuss testing with their doctor to assess their risk.
