The Brain And Diabetes

     The adult brain is one of the largest organs of the body; it reaches full size in the late teen years. Brain cells are a very specialized type of cell. The brain is the primary center for regulating and coordinating all bodily activities, but its main function is communication. The brain receives and interprets signals sent to it from all parts of the body, internal and external. The brain is made up of living tissue. Tissue is a group, or collection, of like cells that act together in the performance of a particular function. When there is no oxygen or blood flowing through the body systems, the brain and the whole body die.

     In order to survive, our brain needs glucose (sugar), vitamins, minerals, and other essential chemicals to function properly. The brain and red blood cells depend almost entirely upon glucose as their main source of energy. Protein and fat are important in the diet, but carbohydrates are the quickest source of energy for the brain. The brain uses a large percentage of oxygen breathed, glucose, and blood pumped from the heart.

      As food enters the mouth, stomach, and intestines, the brain determines how much insulin is needed and tells the pancreas to release insulin into the bloodstream to allow for the sugar you just consumed. Your brain might tell the pancreas to release the insulin, but the pancreas might not be able to release any, or enough because of the diabetes. The brain apparently does not know or allow for the fact that the body has diabetes. Diabetics have to help their bodies achieve a balance between insulin and glucose levels.

     The brain is the organ most sensitive to blood sugar levels. When you have low blood sugar, it changes the way the brain functions. The brain wants glucose and needs it very quickly. When the brain doesn't get the glucose it needs, many systems of hypoglycemia appear. Hypoglycemia is when there is not enough glucose in the system for the body to function; it can lead to death if not treated quickly.

     When your sugar runs high for a long period of time, as in hyperglycemia, it can affect your memory as well as lead to many complications of diabetes. As a diabetic, what, when, and how much you eat can affect intelligence, the way you act, and your moods. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia will keep the brain from doing its job and functioning the way it should.

     According to one study, diabetes ages your brain about five years faster than normal. There is substantial cognitive decline associated with diabetes and poor glucose control. Through my letters, I have tried to teach you how to prevent or delay the problems associated with diabetes.

     Some believe the brain and the whole body are just cells; no more and no less. I believe what the Bible teaches - we are much more than just living cells; we also have a spirit. Though the brain and all living tissue (cells) may die, the spirit does not. Each individual must choose where his spirit goes after the death of the body - Heaven or Hell!