Type 1 Diabetes and Memory Loss: If you have type 1 diabetes, read this research; there is a high risk of memory loss.:Low Blood Sugar Brain Damage: New research has found that people with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk of dementia, or memory loss. Let us explain.

News Topical, Digital Desk : As people with type 1 diabetes are living longer than ever before, its long-term effects are becoming apparent. Major new research has found that people with type 1 diabetes may be nearly three times more likely to develop dementia, a condition characterized by memory loss, than the general population. This has deepened the question of how the disease affects the brain over time.

What did the research reveal?

This study, published in the journal Neurology, examined data from approximately 280,000 people. Of these, 5,442 had type 1 diabetes. Of this group, 144 people later developed dementia, representing approximately 2.6 percent. In contrast, this figure was only 0.6 percent for those without diabetes. Even after accounting for factors like age and education, the risk was approximately three times higher for those with type 1 diabetes. A similar trend was observed for type 2 diabetes, but the risk was approximately twice as high. However, it's important to note that this data was obtained from a health registry, so some cases may contain inaccurate or incomplete information.

Why does such a danger arise?

Now the question is, why does this happen in type 1 diabetes? One major reason is that the disease often begins at a young age. This means that a person lives with the disease for a long time, increasing the risk of other problems. Another important reason is the frequent fluctuations in blood sugar. In type 1 diabetes, sugar levels rise and fall very rapidly. Low blood sugar is especially dangerous for the brain because it puts pressure on brain cells. Moreover, when low blood sugar is suddenly followed by high blood sugar, it can cause further damage to the part of the brain involved in memory and learning.

Insulin also plays an important role

Insulin also plays a major role. The body contains an enzyme that breaks down both insulin and a specific protein. This protein is linked to Alzheimer's. When there is excess insulin in the body, this enzyme first breaks down insulin, and amyloid beta begins to accumulate in the brain. This accumulated protein forms plaques in the brain, impairing communication between brain cells and gradually leading to memory loss. People with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of both Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.