Diabetes and Alzheimers link

Recent medical studies have shown that there may be a link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Although there is much controversy, some scientists have even indicated that Alzheimer's disease is a form of diabetes. The reason behind these inferences is that proper utilization of insulin is necessary for the brain to make and retain memories. It was demonstrated in a 2005 study on rats that when insulin resistance was created in the brain, a form of Alzheimer's developed. Oxidative damage and inflammation were also shown to result from abnormal insulin.

A small clinical trial in 2007 showed that when patients in the early stages of Alzheimers were given small doses of insulin, their brain functions improved. Another trial showed that when Alzheimer's patients were given Avandia (a diabetes medication) they showed better attention and better memory recall. However Avandia has many side effects including raising the risk of heart attacks. More studies are now in progress to see if diabetes drugs can be useful for Alzheimer's patients.

Gymnema and Karela are two herbs that are well known in sugar metabolization and diabetes control without any side effects. Diabecon a herbal ayurvedic formulation from Himalaya Herbals is also known as an excellent remedy in controlling diabetes. It acts like insulin, promotes glucose utilization, provides protection from oxidative damage to b-cells and helps in their regeneration