Diabetic Neuropathy Risk in Teens with High Blood Sugar
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Poor Blood Sugar Control in teens Linked to Future Nerve Damage in type 1 Diabetes
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BYLINE: Noah Fromson
New research co-led by the University of Michigan suggests that poor blood sugar control during adolescence substantially increases the risk of developing painful neuropathy – nerve damage – later in life for individuals with type 1 diabetes. The study,spanning over three decades,underscores the challenges teenagers face in managing their blood sugar and the importance of proactive support during this critical transition period.
The Link Between Teen Blood Sugar and Future Nerve Damage
Investigators analyzed nearly 2,000 HbA1c readings (a measure of average blood sugar levels) from participants diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before the age of six. The data revealed a concerning trend: during adolescence, participants experienced significantly higher average blood sugar levels (8.9%) compared to both childhood and adulthood.
Those with the largest increase in HbA1c from childhood to adolescence were not only more likely to maintain higher blood sugar levels into adulthood but also faced a substantially greater risk of developing neuropathy. Neuropathy affects up to 50% of the nearly 40 million Americans with diabetes, causing pain, numbness, and tingling, particularly in the extremities.
Key Findings Summarized
| Age Group | Average HbA1c (%) |
|---|---|
| Childhood (pre-adolescence) | (Data not explicitly stated in source, but implied to be lower than 8.9%) |
| Adolescence | 8.9 |
| Adulthood | (Data not explicitly stated in source, but implied to be lower than 8.9%) |
“This unique study emphasizes the importance of supporting teenagers with type 1 diabetes to manage their blood sugar well and ensure a smooth transition to adult care to prevent future complications,” said co-senior author Eva Feldman,M.D., Ph.D., director of the ALS Center of Excellence at U-M Health and James W. Albers Distinguished University Professor at U-M.
Why is Adolescence a Critical Period?
The study suggests that difficulties controlling blood sugar during adolescence may create lasting challenges in achieving optimal glycemic control later in life. While the exact mechanisms are still unclear, researchers believe that prolonged high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can impair cell metabolism, insulin signaling, and glucose regulation – all of which contribute to long-term difficulties in blood sugar management.