The neurologist spoke about the effect of diabetes on the brain

More than 500 million people aged 20-79 suffer from diabetes, while many do not suspect that the disease can affect not only the pancreas, kidneys and eyes, but also the brain. Galina Chudinskaya, a neurologist at Medicine JSC (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia about a little—known but serious complication of diabetes mellitus, diabetic encephalopathy, on August 14.

According to her, diabetic encephalopathy is a slowly progressive brain damage that develops in patients with type I and type II diabetes against the background of chronically elevated blood sugar levels, glucose fluctuations and microcirculation disorders. This condition develops gradually, and its early symptoms are often mistaken for age-related changes, depression, or ordinary fatigue, which leads to a late diagnosis.

"Key symptoms include cognitive impairments (decreased concentration, memory impairment, slow thinking), emotional disorders (anxiety, irritability, apathy), neurological manifestations (headaches, dizziness, sleep disorders) and subjective sensations (heaviness in the head, tinnitus)," the doctor explained.

Not at the proper level: every fifth person may be at risk of developing diabetes

An increase in the detection of an increased amount of glucose indicates the prevalence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders, experts say.

To diagnose diabetic encephalopathy, the expert explained, it is necessary to pay attention to a combination of factors: the duration of diabetes (more than 5-7 years), chronically high glucose levels, a combination of headaches with cognitive impairment, the association of symptoms with sugar fluctuations and the lack of effect from conventional painkillers.

Chudinskaya stressed that in the early stages the process is reversible with timely correction of glucose levels and lifestyle. However, without treatment, serious consequences are possible: persistent cognitive impairment up to dementia, persistent depression and disability.

If diabetic encephalopathy is suspected, the doctor recommends not to attribute the symptoms to age or stress, discuss the complaints with an endocrinologist, undergo an examination by a neurologist, strictly control sugar levels and lead a healthy lifestyle.

"Headaches, anxiety, and decreased concentration in diabetic patients may be early signs of a serious complication. The sooner you notice the changes in your condition, the more likely you are to maintain mental clarity and quality of life," concluded Chudinskaya.

Expert Maria Molostvova spoke on July 21 about the impact of sleep quality on brain health. She noted that chronic sleep disorders can cause serious harm to brain function, including an increased risk of cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases.

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