Health
Dementia risk may be lowered by one important medical device
For those with diabetes, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels helps to prevent serious complications, like kidney problems and blindness — but it can also be important for brain health.
“The collective data on blood glucose and its effects on cognitive health, as well as on dementia, continue to rapidly grow,” said Dr. Michael S. Okun, medical advisor to the Parkinson’s Foundation and director of the Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida.
A recent U.K. study published in Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology suggests that wearing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) could lower the risk of dementia.
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“Not only does continuous monitoring improve glucose levels in the blood and prevent [low blood sugars], but we have also learned that the provision of a steady supply of glucose will enhance brain function,” he told Fox News Digital.
What to know about continuous glucose monitors
CGMs are wearable medical devices in the form of a patch on the arm. A built-in sensor tracks sugar levels and sends the results to a smartphone, according to GoodRx.
A recent U.K. study published in Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology suggests that wearing continuous glucose monitors could lower the risk of dementia. (iStock)
Diabetics who use CGMs no longer have to prick their fingers multiple times a day to get their sugar readings before meals and at bedtime.
These monitors are extensively used among people with diabetes – especially those with type 1 diabetes who are on insulin, experts say.
Past research showed that these monitors achieved a modest improvement in controlling sugars compared to the traditional method of finger sticks.
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Hornberger cautioned, however, that the constant tracking of sugar in real time could cause unnecessary worry and may not be worth the investment for everyone.
“Cost, requirements for attentive caregivers, and how to use the data for real-time decision-making all remain challenges for those in the field,” Okun noted.
CGMs are wearable medical devices in the form of a patch on the arm. A built-in sensor tracks sugar levels and sends the results to a smartphone. (iStock)
There is limited research into whether the monitors could also benefit people without diabetes.
“Though we currently lack data, it is likely that in the near term, we will see more integration of continuous monitoring of glucose and perhaps other biomarkers for enhancement of brain health,” Okun told Fox News Digital.
Link between blood sugar and dementia
Michael Hornberger, PhD, professor of applied dementia research at the Norwich Medical School in England, recently investigated how CGMs have impacted those with dementia and diabetes.
Research clearly showed that high sugars in the blood increase the risk for dementia, according to Hornberger.
“Some think that pursuing continuous glucose monitoring will have a positive impact on reducing dementia progression.”
Okun noted that many neuroscientists have studied oxidative stress and brain inflammation.
“Some think that pursuing continuous glucose monitoring will have a positive impact on reducing dementia progression,” he told Fox News Digital.
In addition to reducing future risk of dementia by detecting high blood sugars, CGMs could also help reduce the risk of falls by detecting low blood sugars, he added.
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Dementia can be attributed to a variety of illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease. The current research applies mainly to Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, the latter of which is caused by strokes, noted Hornberger.
The specific link between persistent high blood sugar and increased dementia risk has not yet been established, he said, but several hypotheses have been proposed.
Dementia can be attributed to a variety of illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease. The current research applies mainly to Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. (iStock)
High blood sugar triggers the body to produce more insulin, which then causes cells to absorb glucose and use it for energy.
“It also regulates the metabolism of glucose and fats in the brain, the activity of neurotransmitter channels and brain cholesterol synthesis,” Hornberger said.
Neurons also use glucose to send information to nerves, which helps control the body’s movements, but excessively high sugars may affect neuronal activity and lead to cognitive issues, according to the doctor.
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More research is needed to determine whether continuously monitoring blood sugar levels can truly reduce the risk for dementia, Hornberger added.
“The research has not matured enough to widely prescribe glucose monitoring devices for improvement in cognitive symptoms or as a method to prevent dementia,” Okun noted.
Overlapping risk factors
Many of the risk factors for diabetes, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, overlap with those of dementia, according to Hornberger.
Some unmodifiable risk factors, such as age and family history, increase the risk of both diabetes and dementia with age.
Many of the risk factors for diabetes, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, overlap with those of dementia, according to doctors. (iStock)
A 2017 study published in JAMA Neurology, which followed more than 15,000 adults over time, found that diabetes is also an independent risk factor for dementia, along with smoking and high blood pressure.
Some behavioral risk factors for type 2 diabetes include excess weight, lack of exercise, smoking and high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
Hornberger stated, “Often, people with diabetes are also overweight and have cardiovascular conditions, and it is not clear how to delineate those different conditions from each other for the risk for dementia.”
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Consumers can now purchase several brands of CGM over the counter without a prescription.
Dexcom’s Stelo Glucose Biosensor System was the first over-the-counter CGM approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2024, but it is only intended for people 18 years and older who don’t use insulin. A one-month supply costs $99, according to the company’s website.
Experts recommend talking to a doctor to discuss the risks and benefits before purchasing a CGM. (iStock)
In June 2024, the FDA also approved Abbott’s Lingo, which is intended for healthy adults 18 years and older who are interested in wellness, but is not approved to manage diabetes. It retails for $89 for a four-week plan, as stated on the company’s website.
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Experts recommend talking to a doctor to discuss the risks and benefits before purchasing a CGM.
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Health
Parasitic infection causing ‘explosive’ stomach illness exceeds 1,000 cases in northern state
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Cases of cyclosporiasis infections are rising across America, with more than 1,000 people diagnosed in Michigan and more than 500 in Ohio.
This is the largest outbreak of its kind in Michigan’s history and one of the country’s largest in years, according to the Associated Press.
The parasitic infection can cause weeks of watery diarrhea. The source of the infections has not been identified and no deaths have been reported.
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Michigan officials announced the outbreak last week following the identification of more than 170 cases since June 22 in the southeastern part of the state. Typically, only about 50 cases are identified in Michigan each year, according to AP.
A cyclospora infection often causes watery, “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says. (iStock)
Similar illnesses have been reported in 28 other states, including neighboring Ohio, where diagnoses have popped up across the Michigan border.
Cases have been climbing since the CDC identified an uptick in infections in mid-June, with illnesses now reported in dozens of states.
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Michigan has now reported more than 1,200 cases and at least 40 hospitalizations. In Ohio, northwest counties have identified more than 500 cases, including at least 306 in Lucas County, according to the latest available local figures.
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Texas has reported at least 48 cases, and illnesses have been identified in numerous other states as health officials investigate the source.
The hallmark symptom of a cyclospora infection is watery, often “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.
Other symptoms of cyclosporiasis include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss. (iStock)
Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.
The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.
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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.
The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multistate clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before eating, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted. (iStock)
Past infections have reportedly been linked to consuming contamined fruits or vegetables, or being exposed to contaminated irrigation water.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before being eaten, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted.
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Michigan officials recommend purchasing salad mixes or whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce. Remove two to three leaves from the outer layer of the lettuce head before washing and cook vegetables when possible.
Fox News Digital’s Khloe Quill contributed to this report.
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Washington, DC – GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have become a prevalent part of American healthcare, and the current administration is getting behind the movement.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in the nation’s capital on July 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz voiced his support for the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic, for appropriate uses.
“I’m a fan of GLP-1 drugs when used correctly,” he said. “They do help people who are overweight lose weight quite effectively. They’re not a replacement for diet and exercise, but they might jumpstart the system so it’s easier for you to use healthier tactics.”
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This is especially helpful for those who may have trouble moving due to joint pain or are experiencing internal dysfunction, Oz said.
Certain GLP-1 drugs are covered by Medicare for overweight candidates with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and Oz projected the benefits will continue to benefit taxpayers.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured in Washington, D.C., at the Great American State Fair, where he spoke about federal health policy. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
“We believe these are so effective in reducing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that they’ll actually save money for the federal taxpayer, because [they’re] going to make you healthy enough that you don’t have to consume health services,” Oz said.
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“We think about 70% of all the money we spend on healthcare is caused by chronic conditions, and obesity is the No. 1 driver of all that, so it’s a smart decision.”
Oz recently announced the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow more seniors to access GLP-1 drugs for only $50 a month if they meet qualifying health criteria and receive prior authorization from a doctor.
The doctor expressed support for broadening affordable access to GLP-1 medications for Americans. (iStock)
“There are a lot of overweight people who don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, so they don’t get access to the drug normally,” he said. “We want them to have the ability to use it as well.”
Although these access shifts could boost Americans’ overall health — and in some cases could be lifesaving — Oz noted that there is “no silver bullet” when it comes to these medications.
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“I love the fact that the innovation that’s coming out of pharmaceutical companies is allowing us to save lives and make lives better,” he said. “But the real secret to longevity is eating right, exercising, sleeping, dealing with the stress of your life, finding some purpose in your existence [and] realizing you have agency over the future.”
“These are things that your mom would have told you [and that] you don’t need a doctor to be emphasizing.”
Medicating appropriately, combined with eating right, exercising and staying connected with others, can help make health goals attainable, the doctor said. (iStock)
While GLP-1s may not be a fix-all, combining these medications with foundational health practices “makes a lot of sense,” Oz said.
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“I don’t want people being fat-shamed … I don’t want you feeling guilty that you’re gaining weight even though everyone else around you seems to have figured it out,” he said. “It’s not that simple — our set points for hunger are different. We have different things going on in our lives.”
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“But if you realize how precious you are — the temple of the soul is so valuable. It’s the greatest gift your parents ever gave you, and you take advantage of every tool out there to make it work … which includes using medications when appropriate. That, to me, is MAHA.”
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