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High blood sugar in your 30s could increase your risk of Alzheimer's disease later in life, a study suggests.
The researchers followed 5,000 adults throughout their lives and regularly checked their blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Those with the highest levels of "good" cholesterol in their 30s and 40s were 15 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease by age 70.
And high levels in middle age were linked to an even greater risk of developing the cruel disease later in life.
Similar results were seen with higher resting blood sugar levels, but only in adults in their 50s.
The researchers said that while other studies have linked dementia to cholesterol and blood sugar, the results show that "these associations occur much earlier in life than previously thought."
Dr. Lindsay Farrer from Boston University School of Medicine added: "Interventions that target cholesterol and glucose management starting in early adulthood may help maximize cognitive health later in life."
Those with the lowest levels of "good" cholesterol in their 30s and 40s were 15 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease by age 70. (stock image)
Alzheimer's - the most common type of dementia - affects 850,000 people in the UK, charities say.
Around 5.8 million people in the USA suffer from the memory-robbing disorder.
There is currently no way to cure Alzheimer's. Medication can only provide temporary relief from the worst symptoms.
The condition, which mainly affects older people, is thought to be caused by a buildup of abnormal plaques in the brain.
Dozens of studies over the past few decades have linked unhealthy arteries and poor heart health to the condition.
In the new study, published in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia, experts examined the medical records of 4,932 people between 1979 and 2016.
Blood sugar, cholesterol and fat levels as well as blood pressure were measured every four years.
The results were compared to dementia diagnosis rates in the same participants.
In people aged 35 to 50, increasing HDL levels by 15 mg/dl - which experts say can keep blood sugar levels under control - reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 15 percent by age 70.
Among 51- to 60-year-olds, a 15 mg/dL increase in good cholesterol was associated with an 18 percent reduced risk of dementia later in life.
Doctors say a healthy HDL level is above 60 mg/dL. Anything below 40 mg/dl is considered low.
In people in their 50s, a 15 mg/dL increase in blood sugar was associated with a 14.5 percent increased risk of dementia.
A blood sugar level of less than 140 mg/dl is considered normal, and anything above 200 mg/dl is considered diabetic.
Previous research has shown that too much sugar in the blood can damage organs, including the brain, over time.
Dr. Farrer added: “Our results confirm other studies linking blood cholesterol and glucose levels to future Alzheimer’s risk.
“We have shown for the first time that these associations spread much earlier in life than previously thought.”