The metabolic disease diabetes can affect all parts of the body. Experts are currently warning that the brain and eyes in particular are at great risk.
Diabetes is not just a question of blood sugar. The widespread disease can actually have far-reaching effects on the health of those affected. Both the German Society for Neurology (DGN) and the German Brain Foundation and leading eye specialists from the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) are warning about the serious consequences of type 2 diabetes on the occasion of World Diabetes Day on November 14th.
A lesser known but alarming fact is the connection between diabetes and dementia. According to the DGN, around 400,000 people in Germany develop dementia every year, of which an estimated 8,000 cases can be directly attributed to diabetes.
Diabetes affects the brain in several ways: through changes to the blood vessels, through impairment of sugar and insulin metabolism in the brain, and through hypoglycemia, i.e. low blood sugar. An unstable long-term blood sugar level also increases the risk of dementia.
Interestingly, researchers have even found that some metabolic properties of diabetes can directly damage the brain – regardless of blood sugar levels. This leads to a suggestion by some scientists to call Alzheimer’s dementia “type 3 diabetes.”
However, diabetes doesn’t just affect the brain – the eyes are also at great risk. According to Prof. Focke Ziemssen from the DOG, diabetes-related visual impairments could be increasing despite modern treatment methods. “We urgently need to raise awareness of the danger of impending vision loss,” says Ziemssen in a press release.
Fluctuating blood sugar levels could damage fine blood vessels in the eye, leading to diabetic retinopathy (retina disease) or macular degeneration. With these diseases, up to 25 percent of those affected develop severe visual impairments and even blindness within ten years.
Although modern therapeutic approaches such as laser treatments and injections are effective, a surprising number of patients end their treatment plans early, according to DOG. The discontinuation rates for injection therapy are said to be between 30 and 60 percent in the first year. “People with diabetes often suffer from several health problems at the same time,” says Ziemssen. “You are then overwhelmed with the many doctor’s appointments.” Repression also plays a role. Many patients only notice their eye disease late or even completely deny it.
The message from the experts is clear: Prevention is crucial in both areas - both to reduce the risk of dementia and to prevent visual impairment due to diabetes.
“Diabetes prevention is largely also dementia prevention,” says Prof. Frank Erbguth from the German Brain Foundation. In addition to classic measures such as a healthy diet and sufficient exercise, he recommends social activities that challenge the brain – such as learning a foreign language or a musical instrument. According to ophthalmologist Ziemssen, it is equally important to provide patients with better information and encourage them to have regular ophthalmological check-ups and to accept support from their social environment.
What are the long-term effects of diabetes on brain health?
Interview: The Hidden Dangers of Diabetes
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and welcome to our special segment on World Diabetes Day. Today, we have Dr. Lena Meyer, a leading expert in metabolic diseases and a researcher focused on the impacts of diabetes on brain health. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Meyer.
Dr. Lena Meyer: Good morning! Thank you for having me.
Time.news Editor: To start off, we’ve all heard about diabetes primarily in terms of blood sugar management. However, recent statements from the German Society for Neurology and the German Brain Foundation suggest that the effects of diabetes are far-reaching, particularly concerning brain and eye health. Can you elaborate on this?
Dr. Lena Meyer: Absolutely. Diabetes is indeed more than just a blood sugar issue. It can have severe implications throughout the body, especially the brain and eyes. For instance, there is a growing body of evidence linking type 2 diabetes to neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. In Germany alone, around 400,000 new dementia cases are reported each year, with an estimated 8,000 of those directly attributed to diabetes.
Time.news Editor: That’s a staggering statistic! How exactly does diabetes impact brain health?
Dr. Lena Meyer: There are several mechanisms involved. Diabetes can lead to changes in the blood vessels, which can affect blood flow to the brain. Additionally, fluctuations in sugar and insulin metabolism in the brain, as well as hypoglycemia, create instability that increases the risk for cognitive decline and dementia. In fact, some scientists have even proposed calling Alzheimer’s disease “type 3 diabetes.” This highlights the unique metabolic characteristics that diabetes introduces.
Time.news Editor: That’s a fascinating yet alarming perspective. How does this relate to the connection between diabetes and vision impairment that the German Ophthalmological Society mentioned?
Dr. Lena Meyer: Great question. Unfortunately, the eyes are also particularly vulnerable in diabetic patients. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can damage the fine blood vessels in the retina, leading to complications like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Both conditions significantly threaten vision, with studies suggesting that up to 25% of patients with diabetes may develop severe visual impairment. Prof. Focke Ziemssen has emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness about such risks.
Time.news Editor: Awareness is key here. What are some proactive steps diabetic patients can take to mitigate these risks?
Dr. Lena Meyer: Yes, education and proactive management are essential. Firstly, maintaining stable blood sugar levels through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication adherence is crucial. Regular eye and cognitive health screenings are also vital to catch any early signs of complications. Furthermore, educating patients and their families about the signs of cognitive decline can lead to quicker interventions.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive approach is needed. As we conclude our interview, what message do you want to send out to our viewers on this World Diabetes Day?
Dr. Lena Meyer: I’d like to stress the importance of looking beyond just blood sugar control. Diabetes can have dire effects on both brain and eye health, and awareness is the first step toward prevention. By understanding these risks and prioritizing our health, we can drastically improve outcomes for those living with diabetes.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Meyer, for shedding light on this crucial topic. It’s been an enlightening discussion.
Dr. Lena Meyer: Thank you for allowing me to share this important information!
Time.news Editor: You’re welcome! And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Please be sure to take care of your health and stay informed.