BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Emerging research has suggested that adults with type 2 diabetes may face an increased risk for dementia as they grow older.

Earlier studies have shown that those with high blood sugar levels are more likely to have mental impairment. Now for the first time, doctors have found a link between low blood sugar and dementia in diabetics.

Researchers from Kaiser Permanente followed more than 16,000 seniors with type 2 diabetes. They found that those who had episodes of severe low blood sugar -- serious enough to require hospitalization -- were more likely to develop dementia.

Just one hospitalization for low blood sugar raised the risk 26 percent and three or more hospitalizations raised the risk by 94 percent.

Severe low blood sugar -- also known as hypoglycemia -- can weaken the protective barrier between the brain and the bloodstream. In rare cases, it causes a coma and lasting brain damage.

Researchers said the study suggests doctors and patients need to be careful with diabetes medications, such as insulin, which can trigger episodes of low blood sugar if the dose is too high.