The Details:
Did You Know?
Diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death in adults before COVID-19. (CDC)
Diabetes Complications:
- Vision Problems
- Kidney Damage
- Cardiovascular Issues
- Cognitive Decline
- Neuropathy
What is Neuropathy?
Damage to the nerves causing numbness, tingling, muscle weakness & pain.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 1: An inability to make insulin that most frequently develops in childhood (5%-10% of cases).
Type 2: Occurs more in adults. The body develops resistance to insulin (90%-95% of cases).
Diabetes Statistics:
- 537 million people have diabetes worldwide.
- 34.2 M in the US have diabetes or 1 in 10 Americans.
- 21.4 % of adults with diabetes don’t know they have diabetes.
- Additionally, 1 in 3 people in the US has prediabetes.
Our Key Diabetes-related Discoveries
- Obesity (strongly related to type 2 diabetes), particularly in middle age, increases risk of cognitive impairment or dementia.
- Saturated fat, not sugar, is what impairs the ability to distribute energy in the brain and peripheral nerves.
- Gut health affects function in both the brain and peripheral nerves.
- Obesity and prediabetes can lead to peripheral nerve damage, even in the absence of high blood sugar.
- A good diet (high in good fats/low in bad fats) can improve brain health and peripheral nerve function.
- Inflammation is a driver of pain in neuropathy.