Brain fog is a term for cognitive impairment which can lead to decreased concentration, mood swings, and memory problems. It can be really frustrating and decrease someone’s ability to complete daily tasks.
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body is either not able to produce enough insulin or is not able to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas and it allows the body to use glucose for energy.
Sugar is essential as it is the main source of energy from many cells. It regulates the functioning of many organs including the brain. The blood sugar gets out of control due to diabetes and can lead to brain fog.
How Does Diabetes Cause Brain Fog?
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to brain fog. This means if the blood sugar is high or even if it’s low, it can affect the activity of the brain.
High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar levels can lead to damage to the blood vessels which results in poor blood circulation. Insufficient blood to the brain can affect the ability to think.
Also, excess sugar increases the level of serotonin and neurotransmitters in the brain. Although these chemicals positively affect the brain, their excess can have an opposite effect. It can lead to brain cell damage, nerve damage, and inflammation of the brain.
All of this can lead to cognitive problems like memory loss and brain fog.
Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar can lead to fatigue, headaches, and brain fog.
Lack of sugar leads to low energy and affects the functioning of the brain cells.
Low blood sugar can also be a result of medication given to control the high blood sugar.
Symptoms of Brain Fog Due To Diabetes
Brain fog due to diabetes can have the following effects:
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Difficult in problem-solving
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Trouble in finding the right words in a conversation
- Difficulty in concentration
- Slow thoughts
Treatment of Brain Fog Due To Diabetes
Keeping the blood sugar level under control is the main step towards treating brain fog due to diabetes.
Lifestyle changes can also help in keeping the blood sugar levels under control. The changes include:
- Being physically active
- Reducing the intake of processed food including sugar
- Keeping the body hydrated
- Sleeping for 7-8 hours every night
- Increasing the intake of healthy foods such as vegetables, protein, whole grains, and healthy fats
- The medication prescribed to control blood sugar levels should be taken regularly.
If you see, in spite of being regular with the medication and the lifestyle changes the brain fog symptoms do not improve, talk to the doctor.
It is very important to keep diabetes under control as it can lead to potentially life-threatening conditions such as:
- Nerve damage
- Kidney damage
- Amputation
- Cardiovascular disease
- Increased risk of infection
How To Cope With The brain fog?
Brain fog mostly improves as the blood sugar goes back to normal.
The following tips can be adapted to cope with this cognitive dysfunction.
Do not make a major decision: It’s as important to put a hold on making a major decision until the brain fog improves. This can prevent you from making the decision which you would not in a good state of mind.
Sleep Well: Sleep helps the body repair itself. It is therefore important to get 7-8 hours of sleep. Brain fog can worsen if you are tired.
Take Notes: Brain fog affects memory. It is important to make notes when feeling foggy or unclear. Keeping a pen and a pad handy can be of help.
Exercise: Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity. This allows the body to use sugar as energy, improving blood sugar levels and thereby improving the symptoms of brain fog.
Brain fog can occur due to diabetes and can have a tremendous impact on the quality of life. There can be memory problems, mood swings, and difficulty in concentrating.
Brain fog can be reversed with proper treatment.
It is important to see a healthcare provider if even by adjusting the lifestyle and taking medications do not improve the symptoms of brain fog.
Also Read:
