Baycrest has conducted a study which reveals that high blood sugar may affect brain health even in individuals who do not have diabetes. While the relationship between elevated blood sugar levels and cognitive function is well-established among those with diabetes, this is the first study to explore this connection in non-diabetic individuals.
Dr. Jean Chen, the study’s senior author and a Senior Scientist at the Rotman Research Institute, which is part of the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE), commented on the findings. “Our results indicate that high blood sugar levels could be detrimentally affecting brain health irrespective of a diabetes diagnosis,” she explained. Dr Chen emphasised that blood sugar levels are not strictly categorised into ‘healthy’ or ‘unhealthy’ but should be viewed on a spectrum instead.
The study, “The associations among glycemic control, heart variability, and autonomic brain function in healthy individuals: Age- and sex-related differences,” has been published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging. It involved 146 healthy adults aged 18 and over. The research team conducted detailed analyses using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess brain activity and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings to measure heart rate variability for each participant.
Dr Chen, who also holds the position of Canada Research Chair in Neuroimaging of Aging and is a Professor of Biomedical Physics at the University of Toronto, stressed the importance of blood sugar management through diet and exercise for overall well-being, particularly for maintaining brain health. She recommended regular health check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals, especially for those diagnosed with or at risk of pre-diabetes.
Key findings from the study included a correlation between higher blood sugar levels and a reduction in connectivity within brain networks critical for various cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and emotional regulation. The impact was noted to be more pronounced in older adults, who typically have higher blood sugar levels than younger individuals, and was also more significant in women than in men. Furthermore, the research identified a relationship between elevated blood sugar levels and decreased heart rate variability, a measure previously linked to better brain health.
The researchers are considering further investigations into improving brain function by modulating heart rate variability, which may present a more accessible target for intervention than blood sugar levels in non-diabetic individuals. This approach could open new pathways for enhancing cognitive health across various populations.
More information: Jean Chen al, The associations among glycemic control, heart variability, and autonomic brain function in healthy individuals: Age- and sex-related differences, Neurobiology of Aging. DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.05.007
Journal information: Neurobiology of Aging Provided by Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care
