Want to avoid dementia as you get older? Then perhaps you should use caution with foods that raise blood sugar.
A recent study published in the prestigious scientific journal New England Journal of Medicine shows that the risk for dementia is higher in people with higher blood sugar levels. This also applies to so called “normal” blood sugar levels, not just diabetics.
Above is a graph from the study showing average blood glucose levels in non-diabetics and the relative risk for developing dementia.
Low blood sugar, low risk
As you can see it’s statistically beneficial to maintain an average blood sugar level around 90 mg/dl (5 mmol/l) – and less beneficial if the average is above 108 mg/dl (6 mmol/l).
As usual, statistical correlations don’t prove that the risk for dementia decreases with avoiding blood sugar-raising food (like sugar and grains). This is just another clue. We know from before that dementia is far more common in people with abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. These are problems you also run the risk of getting from excessive amounts of bad carbohydrates.
To determine the cause we have to perform expensive studies that test advice on a low-carb diet and compare against a control group in order to see whether the risk of dementia is actually decreasing. Such studies take a long time, once they’ve been started. We may have to wait 10-20 years for results.
While we’re waiting I checked my blood sugar, one hour after a rich LCHF breakfast. My blood sugar was 92 mg/dl (5.1 mmol/l). Feels good.
Measuring Blood Sugar
Previously on measuring blood sugar
Order a blood glucose monitor from Amazon.com
More
Better Blood Sugar, Better Memory
Dr. Oz Positive to LCHF Against Alzheimer’s!
