However, the effects of brain aging in people with diabetes occur faster, equivalent to losing 10 years.
The researchers found a link between diabetes and a rapid decline in the mental acumen of people with diabetes as they age, and they have a higher risk of dementia.
In diabetics, the body is unable to properly use the hormone insulin to allow body cells to consume glucose (sugar) for energy.
Blood sugar levels are often high, damaging blood vessels and nerves throughout the body.
People with the disease are at risk for serious complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke.
According to Professor Mujica-Parodi, the link between diabetes and the brain goes beyond that.
The brain is a part that consumes a lot of glucose, when brain cells cannot use insulin, they get into trouble.
“If you starve a neuron, it atrophies away. I suspect it is the reason neurons are hungry that promote faster aging and not due to vascular damage,” professor Mujica-Parodi said.
