Published: 15 September, 2026 Growing older brings many changes, including changes in the way we think, learn and remember information. For people living with diabetes, looking after brain health is an important part of healthy ageing. Research shows that diabetes can increase the risk of dementia. However, having diabetes does not mean you will develop memory problems or dementia. By understanding the factors that affect brain health and taking practical steps to manage your diabetes, you can support healthy ageing and maintain your quality of life. Understanding diabetes and brain health It’s normal to experience some changes in memory and thinking as you age. This might include sometimes forgetting names or misplacing items. These small memory lapses are different from the more significant changes seen in dementia. Dementia is a group of conditions that affect the brain and can cause problems with memory, thinking and everyday activities. It may also affect behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. While age is the biggest risk factor, dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Research12 shows that people with diabetes have a higher risk of dementia than people without diabetes. Researchers are still learning about the reasons for this. Factors that may play a role, include: Insulin resistance, which can make it harder for the brain to use glucose (sugar), its main source of energy. High blood glucose levels over many years, which can damage blood vessels that supply the brain3. Very low blood glucose levels (severe hypoglycaemia), may cause changes in the structure of the brain4. Over time, these factors may affect thinking and memory. However, diabetes is only one of many factors that can affect dementia risk. Other factors that can affect dementia risk Many factors 5play a role in dementia risk including your overall health, lifestyle habits and genetics. While some risk factors cannot be changed, many can through healthy lifestyle habits and good diabetes management. Healthy habits for body and brain Many of the things you do to manage diabetes can also help keep your brain healthy as you age. These include: Being active on most days of the week Keeping blood glucose levels within your target range Healthy eating Managing blood pressure and cholesterol Keeping weight in a healthy range Getting enough sleep Not smoking Limiting alcohol Taking prescribed medicines Having regular diabetes health checks, including eye checks Having regular hearing checks and wearing a hearing aid if hearing is impaired Staying socially connected with family, friends and peer groups Keeping your mind active through learning, hobbies and new experiences Visit the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) Healthy ageing webpages for more resources and information. When to see your health professional Make an appointment to talk to your doctor or diabetes health professional if you are concerned about your brain health, or if you notice: memory problems that interfere with daily life difficulty managing your medicines, appointments or finances confusion about time or place changes in mood or behaviour Memory changes can have many causes. Getting help early can identify the cause and ensure you get the right support and treatment. Staying well, no matter your age Ageing well with diabetes is about looking after your health, staying connected to others and continuing to do the things that matter to you. To support healthy ageing: embrace healthy habits stay connected to your support network attend regular health checks take medications as prescribed be proactive about your health and wellbeing. Ageing well with diabetes also means learning about your health, asking questions and getting support when you need it. Small changes can make a big difference to your health, independence and quality of life over time. More information and support Call the NDSS Helpline 1800 637 700 to talk to a health professional for advice. Visit Dementia Australia website for information and support on living with dementia. Read the Managing diabetes as you age booklet for tips on staying well as you get older. Visit the NDSS Healthy Ageing hub for practical information and resources. Cao, F., Yang, F., Li, J. et al. The relationship between diabetes and the dementia risk: a meta-analysis. Diabetol Metab Syndr 16, 101 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-024-01346-4 ↩︎Xu, X., Li, J., Pan, H. et al. Insulin resistance and the risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. BMC Neurol (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-026-05079-x ↩︎Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) (2024) Your brain and diabetes. CDC website, accessed 1 September 2026. ↩︎Huang L, Zhu M, Ji J. Association between hypoglycemia and dementia in patients with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 1.4 million patients. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2022 Feb 14;14(1):31. doi: 10.1186/s13098-022-00799-9. PMID: 35164844; PMCID: PMC8842524. ↩︎Dementia Australia (n.d) Reduce your risk of dementia. Dementia Australia website, accessed 1 September 2026. ↩︎
