Memory loss

Diabetes comes with many effects, one of the most frustrating of which is memory loss. While gradual erasure of memories does happen as one grows old, it can sometimes be caused by some body hormonal changes and circulatory problems.

Diabetes has alarmingly spread fast over the past few years. Over 23 million suffer from this disease in America alone. With diabetes, there is more sugar in the body than normal and early memory loss is likely to occur. When precautions are not taken immediately, diabetes might progress to obstruct the power of remembering things. Memory loss can make someone feel insecure and inadequate, aside from being very frustrated.

Glucose and the brain

Glucose is the brain’s most important fuel. Memory loss and erasure of memories starts in the brain. The glucose entry into the brain is managed at the blood-brain barrier. This barrier controls the brain environment.  They are formed by cells that line very small blood vessels or capillaries.  They regulate the entry of nutrients into the brain and the exit of chemically charged particles and by-products of brain metabolism.

Glucose storage in the brain is limited and the person needs glucose supply constantly from their blood for the brain to function normally. High level of blood glucose does not make better brain function, either high (hyperglycemia) or low (hypoglycemia). These abnormal levels of blood glucose are believed to be contributors of memory problems in diabetics.

How to avoid memory loss

However, erasure of memories can be avoided even with diabetes. Diabetics should religiously watch their food intake. Foods with protein, calcium and fiber can help replace lost nutrients and stimulate blood flow. It is always healthy to eat a lot of vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes, low fat dairy products and lean meat. Take food that are rich in zinc, magnesium, chromium as part of your diet.

As always, one of the most rewarding regimens that also help promote better blood circulation is exercise.

Physical activities such as solving crossword puzzles, reading and making yourself busy are some of the ways that can keep the brain alert. Short-term memory is most likely to be affected first. Brain stimulation can minimize this. Diabetes is not the only culprit for memory loss. There are many others too that cause erasure of memories. It is important to have a regular checkup to determine if diabetes is already present

Diabetes is better detected while on its early stage. It might be a life-long illness, but it should not be the cause of so much upset and frustration. By carefully watching one’s diet, activities and lifestyle, diabetes and its effects can be managed. Many diabetics have lived longer lives to prove that…and don’t let your memories lost too early.

Heart effects and deadly stroke

The worst effect diabetes can bring is when it affects the heart – the central part of the body’s nervous system.  It is one of the most dangerous and fatal of all effects since it can lead to a lot of worst conditions which ultimately brings death.

People with diabetes are most likely to have heart disease or stroke than those who do not have diabetes.  Diabetics can have stroke earlier than those who are not. Middle-aged type 2 diabetics have a chance of a heart attack as high as non-diabetics who have already one heart attack.

Greater risks belong to those who already have gone through one heart attack. Diabetics heart attack is more seriously fatal. High blood sugar levels contribute to adverse heart effects because they can lead to a large amount of fatty materials inside the blood vessel walls. These fatty deposits hinder the flow of blood, leading to hardening of the blood vessels called atherosclerosis which can cause to a deadly stroke.

A normal healthy blood has smooth inner wall. Blood vessels with fatty deposits have the fatty materials building up inside, which narrows the blood vessel.

Of the 23 million people who suffer from diabetes in the United States, 95% of them have type-2 diabetes. Most are linked to obesity and old age.  It costs the US economy more than $100 billion a year.

If you have already had a heart attack or a stroke, taking care of yourself can help prevent bad heart effects and deadly stroke. Be physically active, choose healthy foods wisely and take medications if necessary.

Heart attack risks and prevention

Diabetes. Diabetes is one of the major causes of heart disease that can lead to heart attack. Thus, having diabetes increases one’s risk of getting into that heart trouble.

Family history. Having a family history of heart disease increases your risk of heart illness and stroke. If someone in your family had a heart attack at an early age such as before age 55, then you maybe are at an increased risk of having the same fate.

Obesity. If your waist measures more than 40 inches for men, and more than 35 inches for women, you likely have central obesity that can lead to dreadful heart effects. Production of LDL or bad cholesterol is increased with abdominal fat, which can cause a deadly stroke. LDL is the blood fat that can have deposits inside the blood vessel walls. Blood vessels carry the blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Blocking the blood vessels is a deadly condition. Therefore obesity and high LDL levels can cause heart problems. 

Low level of HDL (good) cholesterol.  HDL removes fat deposits from the blood vessels and bring them to the liver to be removed. Increase the HDL levels of your body since they help clean your blood vessels.

Hypertension. High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the major contributors of worst heart effects. It makes the heart work harder to pump blood. It therefore can strain the heart, increase the risk of kidney and eye problems. Worse, it can bring deadly stroke and heart attack.

Heart care. Take good care of your heart by eating heart-healthy foods such as fiber, fruits and vegetables. Fiber lowers blood cholesterol. They are found in oatmeal, bran, whole-grain breads and cereals, peas, dried beans. Avoid saturated fats which are found in meat, eggs, butter, shortening, dairy products, tropical oils, lard, etc. Your cholesterol diet should be less than 300 milligrams a day.

Many indeed died of heart attack or stroke but the good thing adverse heart effects and deadly stroke are very preventable. It just requires plenty of discipline to choose the healthy right foods to eat and doing exercise and other physical healty activities.

Alcoholic drinks

Albeit alcohol has calories, it has no nutrients. If alcohol drinks are taken with an empty stomach, the body’s blood sugar level goes too low and the blood fats are raised. For diabetics who want alcohol drinking, it is better to seek your doctor for an advice to the quantity.

The body processes alcohol the way it does with fats. Alcohol is equivalent to two fat exchanges. Alcohol drinks are advised only on those whose blood glucose levels are well-controlled and must be taken only occasionally. There is nothing to lose if it is not taken at all…and it’s the best thing to do for both diabetics and non-diabetics.

Drink moderately

Moderate drinking of alcohol can cause a rise in the blood sugar level, excess of alcohol drinks can likewise, dangerously decrease it. Sweet wine and beer have carbohydrates that are capable of raising blood sugar as well. Alcohol drinking may also increase blood pressure and can cause nausea and increased heart rate.

Moderation is the key. Avoiding undiluted liquors which are strong is as important as avoiding light wines that may contain more sweets. But moderation really depends on the individual. Most of the time however, self-control when it comes to alcohol drinking is harder to achieve.

Effects of alcohol drinks to diabetics

Drinking alcohol can stimulate appetite, causing someone to overeat and forget about blood sugar control. Alcohol can also interfere with medicines, making them ineffective to the body. People with diabetes must stay away from alcohol drinks and alcohol drinking to remain clear-headed most of the time to care for themselves such as performing injections, taking medicines on schedule and taking control of everything to control his sugar levels. And alcohol-drinking may divert himself from being sober enough.

Like smoking, alcohol-drinking to diabetics is extremely dangerous to one’s health.