Would a sugar free diabetic diet delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease?
I'm not completely sure on this but I don't think sugar itself is the enemy. Its more to do with the body's ability to process the glucose and hence, the potential for pre or actual diabetes. There is a most definite link between diabetes and impaired cognition an hence Alzheimer's. The bottom line is that we need some sugar but not as much as we consume on the Western Diet. its in everything these days. So adding sugar in the form of sweets, or to our tea or coffee is just making the problem worse.
The link below is to a good article on blood sugar and Alzheimers.
https://www.alz.org/we_can_help_blood_sugar.asp
I think that’s right @A myALZteam Member, refined sugar does give a boost of energy then long flat spots whereas complex carbohydrates such as wholemeal bread and the like give more sustained slow release of energy (but sadly, even commercial bread often has a lot of sugar in it!). Wholemeal products take a little getting used to but Marilyn and I can’t really eat the refined carbohydrates now (eg white bread, pastas,). I also use artificial sweetener such as Stevia that doesn’t include aspartame in its make-up and I stay away from diet drinks that have loads of aspartame in them.
Yes Ive heard sugar has a lot to answer for. ..and yes my husband is wanting soft drinks and sweet things much more than he used too. They need to keep the water up ive read...
Just today, I read an article saying there is a connection of diabetics as a cause of Alzheimer’s which made me wonder if the sugar cravings Momma Nita has might be worsening her memory issues. So far I haven’t seen any recommendations on sugar restrictions as an Alzheimer’s diet. The problem is most patients refuse to eat healthy choices and fill up on sweets.
Yesterday I had planned to make “No Bakes”. These peanut butter, cocoa,, rolled oat cookies have 2 cups of sugar. After reading that even normal blood sugar levels being a cause for concern, I didn’t make them. Like all Alzheimer’s patients Momma Nita would eat mostly sweet foods. With the idea of “at least she’s eating” we have not discouraged her. Her blood sugar has always been normal, but maybe a more healthy diet will improve her memory and energy level.