This morning I read this link to an article in the NewYorkTimes:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/01/health/31memory.html?_r=1&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
"Blood Sugar Control Linked to Memory Decline, Study Says
By RONI CARYN RABIN Published: December 31, 2008
The study, by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center and funded in part by the National Institute on Aging, was published in the December issue of Annals of Neurology.
The study only had 240 subjects -- but the MRI of their brains consistently showed a correlation between elevated glucose and blood flow to the part of the brain that controls memory.
I think it is interesting that physicians and perhaps a great number of diabetes educators still believe that we can provide information to patients with diabetes regarding how to manage their diabetes -- and expect that they will remember the information and have the skills to implement the needed lifestyle changes. The amount of information that is provided to the patient in a one hour education session is truly overwhelming. I really have to believe that three 30 min sessions would provide a much better outcome for the patient. The question is always -- would they come back? If we think they might only remember one thing -- where would you start? -- showing them how to monitor their blood sugar or helping them set a realistic plan to start increasing their activity.
Dr. Scott Small was the lead investigator in the study showing the link between glucose and memory. His comment was...Since glucose regulation is improved with physical activity, Dr. Small said, “We have a behavioral recommendation — physical exercise.”
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