Type 1: Memory/Forgetfulness

Hi Laura,

I have developed a lot of issues with memory, concentration, and mood over time. For me the absolute worst thing is prolonged overnight lows. I am not sure whether my brain is starved of sugar or if it's just a hormonal problem but it makes life impossible. Life would be basically impossible without my CGM.

If you don't generally test in the middle of the night, set some alarms at random times on different nights and do it. Or you can try a Libre.

Highs can also impair brain function in various ways. What's your control like?

Finally... one of the common symptoms of depression is trouble with memory (and/or concentration). Depression is not a simple illness; you can have many of the symptoms without feeling depressed. Remember that depression can be caused by hormonal problems (which diabetes creates!) and chronic inflammation (like an autoimmune condition), not just your environment and attitude, so there's really no shame in it. Studies have shown that taking antidepressants can improve memory in people with depression.


I take a nootropic (brain-boosting) supplement called Mind Lab Pro as well as Omega-3 supplements. The Mind Lab Pro definitely has a positive effect on my mind, and I have recommended it to some friends who also noticed an improvement.

Also check out BrainHQ, where you can give your brain some exercise and keep an eye on your performance.

Hi Laura

This rings a bell with me also. I thought it was being over 50 but have started to think it's diabetes related (or maybe statins). Hmmm

Same here but not with work stuff as I've been doing it that so long I can do it in my sleep, however as an example after work I put things down at home while i'm doing something and a minute later I'm thinking where is that? And I don't think this has happened before. Scary but this is only recently i've noticed stuff like this is more frequent and I'm thinking is it because BG is high?

Johnjoe13 said:

Same here but not with work stuff as I've been doing it that so long I can do it in my sleep, however as an example after work I put things down at home while i'm doing something and a minute later I'm thinking where is that? And I don't think this has happened before. Scary but this is only recently i've noticed stuff like this is more frequent and I'm thinking is it because BG is high?

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Update to this, i've just googled this and metformin which i've been on for almost three months now came up, and an Australian research links to impaired thinking so this could be the cause for me anyway? Need to see the nurse as they suggest B12 supplements can help, obviously get medical advice first but that goes someway to putting my mind at ease that it's a possible cause and nothing else

just before Christmas when I'd been taking Metformin and Atorvastatin for only a few weeks I could not learn a new song I wanted to do at the folk club. Then I lost the car in Tesco car park, and when I found it by walking up and down the lines, there was all the shopping for Christmas in the back of it already. The frozen stuff had defrosted, but most of it was still OK - but it was an awful shock. I stopped taking the pills.

Resurgam said:

just before Christmas when I'd been taking Metformin and Atorvastatin for only a few weeks I could not learn a new song I wanted to do at the folk club. Then I lost the car in Tesco car park, and when I found it by walking up and down the lines, there was all the shopping for Christmas in the back of it already. The frozen stuff had defrosted, but most of it was still OK - but it was an awful shock. I stopped taking the pills.

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OMG I take Atorvastatin too, deffo going to mention this at my check up

Are your blood sugars well controlled when you get these I cant remember what I sat down for moments?

I'm not sure it's diabetes related - it sounds like it's more of a not enough room in your head kinda thing. Maybe you could try a bit of yoga/meditation to clear your mind. It is hard to take on new info if you haven't done that kind of learning for a while - you could try a brain training app or something to improve memory just to stretch those muscles in your brain.

LauraR88 said:

I can be doing something like washing a cup and think right once I've done this I'm going to look at my emails..... yet when I sit down two mins later I can't remember for the life of me what it I was suppose to be doing.

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Hi @LauraR88 , in Psychology they call this The Doorway Effect, it's not unique to people with diabetes by any means:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-walking-through-doorway-makes-you-forget/

In answer to your question I'm not sure of the answer, if your new job is more stressful than other jobs you've done before then that won't help matters and might explain why your more forgetful now.