As New Jersey marks American Diabetes Alert Day on March 24 the medical community is issued a stark new warning: managing your blood sugar isn’t just about protecting your heart—it’s about saving your brain.
New research highlighted by Hackensack Meridian Health suggests a profound link between insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease, a connection so strong that some scientists have begun labeling Alzheimer’s as “Type 3 Diabetes.”
The brain relies on insulin for glucose regulation and, more importantly, for memory function. Research indicates that when the body becomes resistant to insulin, the brain may follow suit. For the 1 in 3 American adults currently living with prediabetes—many of whom are undiagnosed—this means that chronic high blood sugar could be a silent architect of cognitive decline.
While the “Type 3” connection is sobering, Hackensack residents Johnny and Jacqueline Sledge are proof that the diagnosis is not a destiny.
Jacqueline was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes over a decade ago, followed by Johnny a few years later. Today, neither requires insulin. Their secret? A partnership with the Molly Diabetes Education and Management Center at Hackensack Meridian Health.
“Knowing the link to Alzheimer’s makes us so thankful we learned how to manage our health when we did,” Jacqueline, a former chef who used her professional skills to reinvent her family’s menu, said.
The Sledge Family’s Blueprint for Success:
- Plate Shrinking: Swapping large dinner plates for smaller ones to naturally assist with portion control.
- Label Mastery: Becoming “experts” at identifying hidden sugars and carbs while grocery shopping.
- Culinary Transformation: Transitioning to nutrient-rich plates heavy on grains and vegetables without sacrificing flavor.
- Movement as Medicine: Incorporating consistent, enjoyable physical activity into daily life.
“The Molly Center showed us how to maintain everything,” Johnny said. “If we can do it, others can too.”
The team at the Molly Center emphasizes that Type 2 diabetes is often preventable or manageable through sustainable lifestyle shifts. This Diabetes Alert Day, health experts urge New Jerseyans to take two simple steps:
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Assess Your Risk: Take a free diabetes risk test online to see where you stand.
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Consult the Experts: For those concerned about their blood sugar or cognitive health, the MOLLY Diabetes Education/Management Center offers comprehensive support, from nutritional counseling to exercise programs.
