Insulin and Dementia Risk: Researchers Found a Worrying Link in Diabetes Patients 0 10

The results of the study were published in the scientific journal DOM.

The authors analyzed medical data from over 1.3 million residents of South Korea aged 40 and older. The observation of participants lasted for 11 years. As a result, it was found that all patients with diabetes had a higher risk of cognitive impairment; however, the most pronounced link was observed in those using insulin for both type I and type II diabetes.

Comparative analysis showed that in people with type II diabetes taking oral medications, dementia was identified approximately 1.3 times more often than in participants without diabetes. When using insulin for type II diabetes, the risk increased by about 2.1 times, and for type I diabetes, by 2.4 times.

A similar pattern was observed for Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Researchers attribute this trend to fluctuations in blood glucose levels, including both sharp increases in sugar and episodes of hypoglycemia, which occur more frequently in insulin-treated patients. To reduce the risk of cognitive impairment, specialists emphasize the importance of stricter glucose level control and the use of continuous monitoring systems.

What do specialists recommend?

Researchers highlight the importance of constant glucose level monitoring and more precise therapy adjustments.

Particular attention is recommended for:

• continuous glucose monitoring systems;
• hypoglycemia prevention;
• regular assessments of cognitive functions;
• adherence to treatment and dietary regimens.

In the opinion of the editorial team, the new study once again demonstrates how closely brain health is linked to metabolism and vascular condition. For diabetes patients, controlling sugar levels becomes important not only for the heart, kidneys, and vision but also for preserving memory and cognitive functions in the future.