A new study published in the journal Diabetes Care has found that stress raises the risk of memory loss and cognitive decline among older people with diabetes.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh studied more than 900 men and women between the ages of 60 and 75 with type 2 diabetes. They evaluated participants’ mental abilities with a range of tests, including memory function and how quickly they processed information. The findings were then compared with general intelligence levels to determine whether participants’ brain function had diminished over time. They found that brain function slowed in subjects with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

"This study shows that older people with diabetes who have higher levels of stress hormones in their blood are more likely to have experienced cognitive decline," said researcher Dr. Rebecca Reynolds. "It may be that by regulating cortisol levels, we could help improve cognitive decline in patients with type 2 diabetes."

Exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a healthy, balanced diet are among the best ways to prevent diabetes and control blood sugar levels naturally.

Natural methods of reducing stress include exercise, relaxation and breathing exercises, tai chi, yoga and meditation.