Even in people without diabetes, high blood glucose levels are linked to lower brain activity at all ages, according to a team of researchers.
- In 146 healthy adults, high blood sugar levels were associated with decreased connections in brain networks, affecting memory, attention and emotion regulation. This effect is more marked with age and in women.
- The study also highlights a link between high blood sugar and low heart variability, a key indicator of cognitive health.
- A balanced diet and exercise are essential to protect the brain, even without a diabetes diagnosis.
More sugar in the blood, fewer connections in the brain. A new study led by the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE) in Canada finds that high levels of blood glucose, or blood sugar, can impair brain health, even in people without diabetes. Published in the journal Neurobiology of Agingthis research is the first to explore this association in individuals considered healthy.
An impact on the brain detected at all ages
“Even without a diagnosis of diabetes, high blood sugar levels can already negatively affect the brain.” To arrive at this observation, the researchers analyzed 146 healthy adults, aged 18 and over, by measuring their blood sugar levels, their brain activity via MRI scans, as well as their heart rate variability using electrocardiograms.
The results show that higher sugar levels are associated with decreased connections in brain networks essential for cognitive functions like memory, attention and emotion regulation. This effect, present at all ages, becomes more pronounced with age and is more marked in women.
“These findings highlight the importance of managing your blood sugar through a healthy diet and exercise, not only for your body, but also for your brain.”say the researchers in a press release. They also recommend regular check-ups to identify possible problems at an early stage.
The link between blood sugar, heart and brain
The study also highlights a correlation between high blood sugar and lower heart rate variability, a key indicator of heart and brain health. Higher heart variability is generally associated with better cognitive function.
Researchers plan to explore these links further to determine whether interventions targeted at heart variability could improve brain health. This approach would be more accessible than direct management of blood sugar, particularly in non-diabetics.
