Episode Summary
Blood sugar balance isn’t just about diabetes—it’s about how the brain gets the steady fuel it needs to function well. In this episode, we explore why glucose regulation is especially important for individuals with Down syndrome, how metabolic differences increase vulnerability to blood sugar swings, and what that means for brain health across the lifespan.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/down-for-health/id1802663420?i=1000745309521
We break down the science in simple terms, including why the brain—despite being only ~2% of body weight—uses about 20% of the body’s glucose (think sugar) at rest, and how unstable blood sugar may contribute to fatigue, focus challenges, mood changes, and long-term metabolic and cognitive risk.
You’ll also learn what current research actually supports, including screening recommendations for diabetes and Alzheimer-type dementia, and why early metabolic monitoring matters even before a diagnosis is present.
Finally, we share practical, low-risk lifestyle strategies with emerging evidence—such as consistent movement, post-meal walking, meal timing, and food pairing—to help support steadier energy and more stable blood sugar day to day. We also touch on supplements and diet trends, clarifying what’s promising, what’s experimental, and what requires careful medical oversight.
Key takeaway: Supporting blood sugar balance is about providing steady brain fuel—not restriction—and small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference for long-term metabolic and brain health.
Sources:
A. Tsou, Peter D. Bulova, G. Capone, B. Chicoine, Bryn Gelaro, T. Harville, Barry Martin, et al. “Medical Care of Adults With Down Syndrome: A Clinical Guideline.” Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 2020.
C. Noll, Janany Kandiah, G. Moroy, Yuchen Gu, J. Dairou, and N. Janel. “Catechins as a Potential Dietary Supplementation in Prevention of Comorbidities Linked with Down Syndrome.” Nutrients, 2022.
K. Kaneko, Miki Wong, M. Corley, Ryan W. Y. Lee, Honolulu, Hi, and blockquote. “The Ketogenic Diet as a Potential Therapy in Down Syndrome,” 2018.
Karla Adney Flores Arizmendi, Yessica Yuliana Guerrero Tapia, Francisco Javier Meoño Velazquez, Tania Tonantzin Vargas Robledo, Lorena Elizabeth Carranza Hernandez, and S. García De La Puente. “Additional Health Care Recommendations for Children with Down Syndrome.” Journal of Pediatrics &Amp; Neonatal Care, 2020.
P. Swamilaksita. “Overcoming Health Risk of Down Syndrome Child with Obesity: Systematic Review.” Journal of CSAR, 2022.
V. Fleming, B. Piro-Gambetti, B. Handen, B. Christian, Annie Cohen, D. Tudorascu, David T Plante, O. Okonkwo, and S. Hartley. “Physical Activity and Physical and Mental Health in Middle-Aged Adults with Down Syndrome.” Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 2022.
