To keep the mind sharp, control the blood sugar
Thief of Thought
Blood sugar control – you’ve either got it, or you don’t. And if you don’t, over time you’re going to see your health deteriorate significantly.
What could be more frightening? Only this: A new study confirms evidence that chronic high blood sugar is linked to an alarming decline in several different types of cognitive functions.
High & low
To assess the link between cognitive decline and type 2 diabetes, researchers at Tel-Aviv’s Sackler School of Medicine recently conducted a study that enlisted 2,800 type 2 diabetics enrolled in the ongoing ACCORD-MIND study.
The results of four cognitive tests were compared to two blood sugar screenings: fasting plasma glucose, and A1C. A fasting glucose test reveals blood sugar level at the time of the test, but the A1C test is much more comprehensive, showing the average measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) percentage in the blood over the 60 to 90 days prior to the test date.
As I’ve noted in previous e-Alerts, the A1C screening is a reliable gage of long-term blood sugar control.
Results showed a clear link between lower cognitive function scores on all four tests and higher A1C scores.
In an interview with Medical News Today, this is how the lead author of the study assessed his results: “Even a mild impairment in cognitive function is of concern for people with type 2 diabetes.”
Winning combinations
By now I’m sure you know the type 2 diabetes drill: exercise daily, balance the diet, stick to a moderate intake of calories, and avoid highly processed foods – especially sweets.
Beyond all that, you could probably use a little help. That’s why HSI researchers have been diligent in searching out new supplements that might significantly boost your efforts to control blood sugar.
For instance, in the e-Alert “Sugar In the Morning, Sugar In the Evening” (9/4/02), I told you about Glucotor – an
herbal blend formulated by HSI panelist Jon Barron. In a six-month trial, Glucotor dramatically reduced A1C levels.
In the November 2006 issue of the HSI Members alert, we looked at an herbal supplement called Insinase that’s been shown to help lower triglycerides while putting the brakes on insulin resistance.
And in the current issue of the HSI Members Alert (May 2009), Managing Editor Melissa Hickle features another new product that delivers a unique formula of natural agents that have also been shown to help regulate blood sugar.
HSI members can use their monthly password to access Melissa’s entire article: “Blood sugar buster THREE TIMES more effective than top-selling diabetes drugs”.
The HSI Members Alert provides a convenient way to stay informed about all of the most groundbreaking advances in nutrition and alternative medicine. Find out how you can be among the very first to learn about cutting edge cures you’ll rarely hear about in the mainstream media.
Sources:
“Relationship Between Baseline Glycemic Control and Cognitive Function in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes and Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors” Diabetes Care, Vol. 32, No. 2, February 2009, care.diabetesjournals.org
“Higher Blood Glucose Linked To Lower Cognitive Function” Catharine Paddock, Ph.D., Medical News Today, 1/29/09, medicalnewstoday.com
“Blood sugar buster THREE TIMES more effective than top-selling diabetes drugs” Melissa Hickle, HSI Members Alert, May 2009, hsionline.com
