Blood Sugar and Brain Health: What You Need to Know

Blood sugar is more than just a number on a diabetes test. It plays a huge role in how our bodies age and how our brains function. Recent studies show that when blood sugar is out of control, it messes with our immune system, especially in the brain. This can lead to inflammation and damage to brain cells. The brain has its own immune cells called microglia. These cells act like tiny cleaners, getting rid of waste and debris. But when blood sugar is off, these cells can't do their job properly. This can cause inflammation and harm to brain cells, which is bad news for brain health. Insulin resistance, which is when the body doesn't respond well to insulin, is a big problem. It doesn't just affect blood sugar; it also makes it easier to store fat and can mess with other important hormones. This is especially true for women going through perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause. During this phase, hormonal changes can cause symptoms like irregular periods and hot flashes. Managing blood sugar is key to staying healthy and living longer. Experts suggest eating a diet full of colorful plants and fiber, and cutting back on sugar and processed carbs. This can help keep blood sugar levels in check and support overall health. Recent research shows that for every increase in insulin resistance, biological aging speeds up by about 1. 64 years. This makes managing metabolic health super important for preventing diseases and living a long, healthy life.