It’s well known that high A1c increases the risk of heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney failure. But a growing body of research suggests that uncontrolled blood sugar may also take a toll on your brain.

Cognitive decline and dementia aren’t just aging-related issues. For people with diabetes or prediabetes, consistently high glucose levels may raise the risk of memory problems, reduced focus, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

So how strong is this connection? And what can you do about it?

🧠 How High A1c Affects the Brain

A1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. The higher your A1c, the more sugar circulates in your bloodstream over time. That excess sugar may affect the brain in multiple ways:

• Blood vessel damage
  High glucose levels can harm the small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue.

• Chronic inflammation
  Ongoing high blood sugar can increase inflammation, which may damage brain cells.

• Insulin resistance in the brain
  The brain also uses insulin. When it becomes resistant, that may disrupt memory, thinking speed, and learning.

• Increased risk of small or silent strokes
  These can accumulate over time and contribute to gradual cognitive decline.

📚 What the Research Suggests

• People with Type 2 diabetes have been shown to face a higher risk of developing dementia compared to people without diabetes.

• Some studies suggest that even prediabetes may accelerate age-related cognitive decline.

• Poorly controlled A1c is associated with greater brain atrophy and faster memory loss in some research.

The connection may not be immediate or guaranteed, but the evidence is strong enough that brain health should be part of any long-term diabetes care plan.

⚠️ Warning Signs to Watch For

Keep an eye out for these potential red flags, especially if you have diabetes or elevated A1c:

• Frequent forgetfulness

• Difficulty concentrating or following conversations

• Trouble organizing tasks

• Mood shifts or increased irritability

• Slower mental processing

These may be related to other issues, but they’re worth checking out.

✅ What You Can Do to Protect Brain Health

• Aim for better A1c control
  Through diet, exercise, and medication, keeping your A1c in target range helps protect both body and brain.

• Use glucose monitoring tools
  Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) offer real-time insights to prevent highs and lows.

• Move more
  Physical activity improves blood flow and boosts brain function.

• Focus on nutrition
  A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fiber, leafy greens, berries, healthy fats, and fish supports brain health.

• Sleep and de-stress
  Both sleep quality and stress levels can affect insulin sensitivity and cognitive clarity.

🧪 Time to Check In?

If you’ve been feeling forgetful, mentally foggy, or low on energy, it may be time to take a closer look at your blood sugar levels.

At Reach7, members get on-site A1c and glucose testing, plus 1:1 reviews that connect the dots between blood sugar, energy, memory, and overall well-being.

📅 Book your visit today and start protecting both your physical and cognitive health.