[이데일리 이순용 기자] The incidence of dementia in diabetic patients is 1.5 to 3 times higher than in the general population. A recent study found that regular physical activity in diabetic patients reduced the risk of dementia. If you are diabetic, starting regular exercise as early as a day can help prevent dementia.
The research team led by Professor Jeong-eun Yoo from the Department of Family Medicine at Seoul National University Hospital Gangnam Center and Professor Ga-eun Nam from Korea University Guro Hospital observed the incidence of dementia by 2017 among 133,751 people who had a diagnosis of diabetes. for the first time among those who took part in the national health examination between 2009 and 2012. . Of these, 3,240 (2,420 Alzheimer’s disease, 469 vascular dementia) developed dementia.
The research team analyzed the correlation between their physical activity and the incidence of dementia. ‘Physical activity’ refers to moderate intensity exercise at least 5 times a week for 30 minutes or more or intense exercise at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes or more, and changes in physical activity were confirmed twice in two. – year cycle.
As a result, in the group that participated in regular physical activity, the overall incidence of dementia decreased by 18%, Alzheimer’s disease decreased by 15%, and vascular dementia decreased by 22%. If regular physical activity was maintained for 2 years, the risk of dementia was lower, and general dementia was reduced by 27% and Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia by 26% and 38%. In addition, when physically inactive diabetic patients engaged in regular physical activity within 2 years, the risk of dementia was reduced by up to 14% compared to diabetic patients who were not continuously physically active.
The results of the study suggest the importance of regular exercise in diabetic patients, who face a high risk of dementia. Diabetic patients who currently exercise can maintain consistency, and even if they do not exercise, starting now prevents dementia.
Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in diabetes cause the accumulation of beta amyloid, which can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, metabolic diseases associated with diabetes can cause arteriosclerosis, which can cause cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage, which in turn causes long-term damage to brain tissue, leading to vascular dementia. The research team estimated that regular exercise would reduce the risk of dementia by improving blood sugar and insulin resistance in diabetic patients and lowering diabetes-related risk factors for cardiovascular disease (obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, etc.) .
Professor Yoo Jeong-eun said, “It is known that the neurological changes of the brain of diabetic patients start from the early stage of diabetes, and since the period immediately after diabetes is the most effective time to encourage lifestyle, it should be emphasize regular exercise from the time of diabetes diagnosis.” He said.
The results of this study were published in the latest issue of the official journal of the American Diabetes Association.
