Here is an important study on how your blood sugar matters to the health of your brain. If you have diabetes, take it seriously and make sure your blood sugar is tightly controlled.
Impact of fasting glycemia and regional cerebral perfusion in diabetic subjects: a study with technetium-99m-ethyl cysteinate dimer single photon emission computed tomography. Cosentino F, Battista R, Scuteri A, De Sensi F, De Siati L, Di Russo C, Camici GG, Volpe M. Stroke. 2009 Jan;40(1):306-8.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and changes in regional cerebral perfusion (CP) in subjects with DM.
METHODS: CP was assessed in 24 subjects (mean age 44+/-2.5 years) with type 1 diabetes mellitus by single photon emission computed tomography.
RESULTS: Analysis of CP during elevated FPG (224+/-24 mg/dL) showed 3 or more deficits in 42% of the subjects. A positive relationship between the number of CP deficits and FPG was observed (P<0.01), but not with age, sex, body mass index, or duration of diabetes mellitus. Regional deficits were reduced (P<0.001) with improvement in FPG (119+/-5 mg/dL). This reduction remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. Plasma levels of P-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, established markers of endothelial dysfunction, were significantly decreased with lower FPG. Furthermore, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance plasma levels, an index of oxidative stress, were also reduced (P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that changes in FPG are associated with functional changes in regional CP. Hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction may be implicated in the impaired regional CP of diabetic subjects.
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I receive your newsletter at work. I am just a common Joe. If I am one of your intended markets than you newsletters or email should reflect verbiage and wordsmithing that the average Joe can read and understand. This blog/newsletter is just gibberish to me.
I have not a clue what that study said.
If I am not your intended market than I apologize for bothering you.
I agree, the study definitely needs translation so here it goes: A well done study found that having high blood sugar decreases blood flow in several areas of the brain. This could be why people with diabetes get more strokes. The study also found that better blood sugar meant better blood flow and less damage to the blood vessels in the brain.
In summary, High sugars–>high damage–>low flow versus lower sugar–>lower damage–>better flow. Change your blood sugar, change your brain!
Yea, but for an “average Joe” how do we know what our blood sugar is? I havent the slightest clue if I have high blood sugar and I dont have the first clue about how I would A) figure it out now or B) track it ongoing. Have it checked at the doctors office? Guess based on my diet? How can a typical American keep track of this in a practical way ongoing?
If high blood sugar decreases blood flow leading to more strokes, how does chronic hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) affect the brain? My daughter was recently diagnosed with true hypoglycemia. She used to have a near photographic memory but is finding that her ability to think/process/and remember information seems to be declining. What about more serious long-term effects (strokes, dementia, etc.)?
Hi, Joe, I am a physical therapist.
As with any health concern, you should discuss your blood sugar with your primary physician, and you can request that it be tested. Testing is done by having a blood sample drawn at a lab. One test that can be done is the AC1, and it can give an indication of whether your blood sugar was high or low or ok overall during the past 3 months. Another test that might be done is called the glucose tolerance test. This test is done after fasting (not eating), and it measures how well your body handles and clears glucose (sugar) from blood. It is done at a lab where they have you drink a glucose solution and then have your blood drawn. You can Google either of these tests for more information. Hope this helps!
Is there a correlation of blood sugar meter self testing results and the blood sugars discussed in this context?
If there is; Does control amount to reducing sugar intake and more careful diet, or are there other factors in the science of control of brain sugar?
As a hypoglycemic, I need to know if maintaining low blood sugar has a an effect one way or another on the brain and when I’m week and I have some sugar, am I doing my brain a diservice or damage, etc?
Sandy, if you are getting weak from not eating in a timly manner, you are making bad choices as to what to eat. Eating sugar is the worst thing you can do. Eat more frequently and eat a balance of carb/protein and some fat. This from a person with hypoglycemia for 30+/yrs. Find a good book on hypoglycemia for good food choices.
Denise, you should have your daughter checked for missing nutrients. If she is young, monitor what she eats and when more closely. She sounds like a good candidate for Dr A’s clinic.