Scientists are only beginning to uncover the brain’s role in normal insulin and glucose control as it relates to diabetes. Likewise, the cognitive deficits associated with the disease are just recently being understood. So what has been discovered so far? Research has revealed that diabetes is associated with impaired cognitive function and an increased risk for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. According to the Society for Neuroscience, brain cells, memory function, learning ability, and regulation of metabolic processes are all areas that are affected by glucose levels and diabetes. Let’s take a closer look:

The Science

When diabetes strikes and insulin's signal is ignored by the cells, the brain may not get the large amount of glucose energy it needs. Glucose is the quintessential brain food, and without a proper meal, the brain may lose cells and memory function. Studies are suggesting that insulin and related growth proteins in the brain are vital for cell survival--and both glucose and insulin appear to regulate many brain functions. The hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in learning and memory, is affected by the lack of glucose energy needed to facilitate these processes. The cognitive deficits that occur are only beginning to be understood by researchers.

In addition to the hippocampus, the hypothalamus (the area of the brain responsible for regulating metabolic processes and activities) also appears to be involved. Things like hunger, thirst, body temperature, energy, balance, body weight, and the sensitivity of the liver and muscles to insulin all seem to be affected...

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