High blood sugar levels don’t just affect people with diabetes. A recent study published in Neurobiology of Aging by the Baycrest Academy of Research and Education (BARE) in Canada reveals that high blood sugar levels can affect brain health, even in individuals considered healthy.
An underestimated risk for brain health
According to the findings of the study led by Dr. Jean Chen, senior scientist at the Rotman Research Institute, high sugar levels can have a negative effect on the brain, even without a diagnosis of diabetes. This research highlights that blood sugar should not be seen as a binary – healthy or unhealthy – but as a spectrum where even modest variations can have consequences for brain health.
The study analyzed data from 146 healthy adults, aged 18 and over, as part of the LEMON project (Leipzig Study for Mind-Body-Emotion Interactions). Researchers looked at blood sugar levels, brain activity using MRI scans, and heart rate variability measured by electrocardiogram.
High blood sugar: effects on brain connectivity
The results show that high blood sugar levels decrease connectivity between brain networks essential for functions like cognition, memory, attention and emotion regulation. These negative effects are particularly marked in the elderly, but are observable at all ages. Women also seem to be more affected than men.
These disruptions in brain connectivity highlight the importance of controlling blood sugar to protect brain health. A healthy diet, low in sugar, and regular physical activity are effective solutions to reduce this risk.
Brain aging accelerated by type 2 diabetes
Previous research has already established that type 2 diabetes, when uncontrolled, accelerates brain aging by approximately 26% compared to unaffected people. Furthermore, brain damage is often already significant at the time of the formal diagnosis of diabetes. However, unlike type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, type 2 diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle changes, including:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Adopt a diet rich in fresh foods and low in refined sugars.
- Practice regular physical activity.
A correlation between blood sugar and heart variability
The study also found a link between high blood sugar and low heart rate variability (HRV). Lower HRV generally indicates poorer coping with stress and may be associated with health problems, including reduced resilience to disease. Conversely, high HRV often equates to better brain and cardiovascular health.
Improving HRV could become an interesting avenue for strengthening brain function, particularly in people without diabetes, according to researchers. This could represent a more accessible alternative to directly reducing blood sugar levels.
Widespread risks to overall health
In addition to its effects on the brain, high blood sugar is also associated with cardiovascular problems, eye diseases and chronic kidney failure. These complications occur when blood vessels in vital organs are damaged by excess sugar in the blood.
This study confirms that blood sugar control is not only a concern for people with diabetes, but a public health issue. By integrating a balanced diet, regular physical activity and routine medical consultations, it is possible to preserve both your brain and physical health. Increased attention to these factors from an early age can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications.
The results of this research reiterate the importance of considering health as a whole, where blood sugar management plays a crucial role in preserving vital functions such as memory, cognition and resilience to disease.
Illustration : DR
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