Type 2 diabetes is a clear risk factor for dementia in later life, which could account for up to 1% of dementia cases worldwide. More research is needed to determine whether any diabetic medicines have a protective effect on the brain.
While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through lifestyle changes. We support initiatives such as the Healthy You NHS Diabetes Prevention programme which identifies people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and refers them onto a nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme.
