Continuous Glucose Monitors: A Potential Key to Reducing Dementia Risk

Managing diabetes is crucial not only for preventing severe complications such as kidney disease and vision loss but also for supporting cognitive health. Recent research indicates that maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is vital for minimizing dementia risk.

“The body of evidence linking blood glucose levels to cognitive health and dementia is expanding rapidly,” stated Dr. Michael S. Okun, a medical advisor at the Parkinson’s Foundation and director of the Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida.

Recent Findings on Continuous Glucose Monitoring

A recent study conducted in the United Kingdom and published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology suggests that using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) may indeed lower the risk of developing dementia.

“Besides improving glucose levels in the blood and averting low blood sugars, continuous monitoring provides a consistent glucose supply that enhances brain function,” Okun explained.

CGMs are wearable devices that measure sugar levels through a sensor placed on the arm, transmitting the data directly to a smartphone. These devices have become increasingly popular among individuals with diabetes, particularly those with type 1 diabetes who rely on insulin.

The Advantages and Limitations of CGMs

With CGMs, individuals with diabetes can avoid the discomfort of frequent finger pricks typically required to monitor their glucose levels.

Research indicates that CGMs provide a modest improvement in glucose control compared to traditional finger-stick methods, especially beneficial for people managing their condition intensively.

However, Dr. Michael Hornberger, a professor of applied dementia research at Norwich Medical School, cautions against over-reliance on CGMs. He notes that real-time monitoring may induce unnecessary anxiety, and it may not be financially feasible for everyone. “Cost, the need for attentive caregivers, and understanding how to utilize the data for real-time decisions all present ongoing challenges,” Okun mentioned.

Implications for Individuals Without Diabetes

Currently, there is limited research exploring the potential benefits of CGMs for individuals without diabetes. Okun believes further integration of continuous glucose monitoring may arise in the quest to enhance brain health, including the tracking of various other biomarkers.

Hornberger has been investigating the effects of CGMs on individuals diagnosed with both dementia and diabetes. His findings show a compelling relationship between high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of dementia.

Linking Blood Sugar to Cognitive Decline

The correlation is clear. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to cognitive impairment, a significant concern in neurological health. Okun highlights that many neuroscientists focus on oxidative stress and brain inflammation, believing that continuous glucose monitoring may play a role in mitigating dementia’s progression.

Besides lowering potential dementia risks related to high blood sugars, CGMs can also help prevent dangerous falls by alerting users to low blood sugar levels.

Understanding the Mechanism

Dementia arises from various ailments, notably Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia caused by strokes. While the research primarily addresses these conditions, the specific relationship between persistent high blood sugar and increased dementia risk remains under scrutiny.

High blood sugar triggers an uptick in insulin production, facilitating the absorption of glucose and its use for energy. Insulin also influences glucose and fat metabolism within the brain, regulates the activity of neurotransmitter channels, and assists in brain cholesterol manufacturing, as explained by Hornberger.

Neurons depend on glucose to communicate with nerves, crucial for controlling movement. However, excessively high blood sugar can negatively impact neuronal activity and cognition.

The Need for Further Research

While initial findings are promising, additional research is essential to establish whether continuous glucose monitoring can effectively lower dementia risk. Hornberger emphasizes that current studies are not yet robust enough to recommend glucose monitoring devices as standard treatment for cognitive symptoms or dementia prevention.

Both diabetes and dementia share common risk factors, including obesity and cardiovascular diseases. With age, non-modifiable risk factors like familial history may escalate the chances of developing both conditions. A 2017 study from JAMA Neurology identified diabetes as an independent risk factor for dementia, alongside smoking and high blood pressure.

Behavioral risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including excess weight and a lack of physical activity, are critical areas of focus. Hornberger notes the challenge in differentiating these overlapping conditions when assessing dementia risks.

Availability and Recommendations

Consumers can now purchase various CGMs over the counter without a prescription—an important development in diabetes management. Notable products include Dexcom’s Stelo Glucose Biosensor System, the first over-the-counter CGM approved by the FDA, specifically for individuals 18 and older who do not use insulin, priced at approximately $99 for a one-month supply. Abbott’s Lingo, approved for healthy adults interested in wellness, retails for $89 for a month’s usage.

Experts advise consulting with a healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks associated with using a CGM.

A Look Ahead: The Future of Dementia Prevention

In conclusion, continuous glucose monitors might herald a new frontier in the fight against dementia. As research unfolds, the potential for CGMs to play a vital role in enhancing cognitive health and mitigating dementia risk becomes increasingly evident. While we await further evidence, understanding their impact on blood sugar management and overall health remains crucial.