Preventing or Managing Diabetes
About 17 million people in the United States have
diabetes, and
stroke and
heart disease are both common
diabetes complications. According to the American Diabetes Association, two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. As mentioned above, stroke is a major risk factor for developing vascular
dementia.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not properly produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches, and other nutrients into energy. Another 16 million Americans have
pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Genetics and lifestyle factors, such as obesity and physical inactivity, can lead to diabetes.
If you have the disease, your doctor will decide if you need diabetes medicine, such as pills or insulin shots. Your doctor can also help you design a healthy eating and exercise plan.
Not Smoking
Several recent studies have found that smoking significantly increases the risk of mental decline and dementia. People who smoke have a higher risk of
atherosclerosis and other types of blood vessel disease, which may be the underlying causes for the increased dementia risk.
Your doctor can recommend programs and medications that may help you quit smoking. By quitting, at any age, you will also reduce your risk of lung disease, heart disease, and a number of cancers (including
lung cancer).
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