Fasting insulin less than 5; HgbA1c less than 5.6
The tenth intervention to reverse mild Alzheimer's in the Bredesen Protocol is:
- Goal Fasting insulin <5 uIU/ml; HgbA1c of 4.5 to 5.2 (in his book The End of Alzheimer's Dr Bredesen calls for an HgbA1c of less than 5.6, however, from a May 2019 interview, he is now citing a desired range of 4.5 to 5.2); Fasting Glucose below 90.
- Approach Diet as above
- Rationale Type II diabetes-AD relationship, glycotoxicity
HgbA1c (Glycated hemoglobin) also known as HbA1c or just A1c, gives you an indication of your average glucose over the past 1-2 months and is better than a spot check of your glucose. It is helpful to know the hemoglobin A1c, the fasting insulin, and the fasting glucose, since these offer complementary information. Hemoglobin A1c should be less than 5.3%, fasting blood glucose should be less than 90 mg/dl, and fasting insulin should be less than 5 ulU/ml. These are critical for optimal cognitive function.
Avoid simple carbohydrates and high glycemic index foods; exercise regularly; and take cinnamon, alpha-lipoic acid, chromium picolinate, and N-acetyl cysteine each day.
References
- Improving and Retaining Memory Function Feb 15, 2015
- Type II diabetes
- Insulin Resistance in the brain
Next Intervention
The next intervention in the Bredesen Protocol is Hormone balance.