High Blood Sugar Linked to Brain Health Decline in Healthy Adults
high blood Sugar Linked to Brain Decline, Even in Healthy Adults
New research suggests that elevated blood sugar levels, even in individuals without diabetes, might potentially be linked to decreased brain activity and potential cognitive decline.
While the connection between blood sugar and brain health is well-established in people with diabetes,this groundbreaking study,conducted at the Baycrest health sciences centre in canada,is the first to explore this link in otherwise healthy adults.
“Blood sugar exists on a spectrum – it’s not a black-and-white categorization of healthy or unhealthy,” explains Dr. Jean Chen, led author of the study and principal researcher at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest.
The study, published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, involved 146 healthy adults aged 18 and older. Researchers analyzed each participant’s blood sugar levels, brain activity through MRI scans, and heart rate variability using electrocardiograms (ECGs).
The findings revealed a concerning correlation: higher blood sugar levels were associated with reduced connectivity in brain networks crucial for cognitive functions like memory, attention, and emotional regulation.
This effect was more pronounced in older adults but present across all age groups.Interestingly, women appeared to be more susceptible to this impact than men.
“These findings highlight the importance of managing blood sugar through a healthy diet and regular exercise, not only for overall health but also for brain health,” emphasizes dr.Chen, who also heads the Baycrest Research Chair in Neuroimaging of Aging and is a professor of biomedical physics at the University of Toronto.
The study underscores the need for regular medical checkups, particularly for individuals diagnosed with prediabetes, to proactively address potential risks to cognitive health.
High Blood Sugar May Harm Brain Health,Even in Healthy Adults
NewsDirectory3.com – New research from the Baycrest Health Sciences Center in Canada suggests a concerning link between elevated blood sugar levels and decreased brain function, even in individuals without diabetes.
the groundbreaking study, published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, analyzed data from 146 healthy adults aged 18 and older. Researchers examined blood sugar levels,brain activity via MRI scans,and heart rate variability using electrocardiograms (ECGs).
“Blood sugar exists on a spectrum – it’s not a black-and-white categorization of healthy or unhealthy,” explains Dr. Jean Chen, lead author of the study and principal researcher at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest.
The findings revealed a correlation between higher blood sugar levels and reduced connectivity in brain networks essential for cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and emotional regulation. This effect was more pronounced in older adults but observed across all age groups. Notably, women appeared more susceptible to this impact than men.
“These findings highlight the importance of managing blood sugar through a healthy diet and regular exercise,not onyl for overall health but also for brain health,” emphasizes Dr. Chen, who also holds the Baycrest Research Chair in Neuroimaging of Aging and is a professor of biomedical physics at the University of Toronto.
The study stresses the need for regular medical checkups, particularly for individuals diagnosed with prediabetes, to proactively address potential risks to cognitive health.