Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
There are so many things you have to be aware of when living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). As a lifelong condition, you need to stay on top of your medication regimen, your diet, any lifestyle changes, all while meeting regularly with your doctor. You may have concerns over how the disease will affect your heart over time, your kidneys, or your eyes. Knowing what to expect, and how the disease can progress, is so important for proper care. Here, PatientsLikeMe is going to explore one area that many people are curious about when it comes to T1D: how it affects the brain.
Sugar and the Brain
We need sugar as an energy source. In people with T1D, the body loses the ability to produce insulin, which moves this sugar from our bloodstream into our cells. This sugar then builds up in the blood, which causes damage to organs throughout the body. One of those organs is the brain, which can be dramatically affected by both high and low blood glucose levels.
While it only makes up 2% of our body weight, the brain actually uses 25% of total blood sugar! If you are in a hypoglycemic state (low blood sugar), your brain does not have the fuel it needs to function. Neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers the brain uses to pass information between nerves and other cells, cannot be produced. This can lead to feelings of depression, trouble with memory and attention, or even difficulty walking or speaking. In very rare cases, it can be fatal.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) puts stress on the brain. Throughout the body, high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels. If this happens in the brain, blood flow is restricted. This can cause serious damage. If untreated, the blood vessels will not be able to distribute oxygen-rich blood where needed. This will lead to brain cells dying off, which can cause cognitive decline and a condition called vascular dementia.
Effects on a Developing Brain
Studies have shown that high blood sugar levels can slow the development of the brain. Regular changes in blood sugar levels can also impact brain development. Children with diabetes tend to have slower growth in both gray matter (which processes information in the brain) and white matter (which connects different parts of the brain). Cognitive issues tend to be in response time, abstract reasoning, cognitive flexibility, and verbal memory.
Adolescents with T1D may face challenges in concentration and memory. If blood sugar levels are not well-controlled, adolescents may see lower performance in attention, processing speed, long-term memory, and executive function. Episodes of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia can cause brain fog, making it hard to focus or think clearly. Managing T1D during the teenage years can be stressful! This stress can impact emotional health. Teenagers with T1D should be encouraged to talk about their feelings and seek support when needed.
Effects Into Adulthood
On the whole, adults with T1D have poorer cognition compared to those without. Research has shown lower scores on total cognition, language, processing speed, executive function, and memory. There is also evidence that adults with T1D who have poor glycemic control are at a higher risk of dementia. The stress of managing T1D over a lifetime can also take a toll on mental health. Adults with T1D are at a higher risk of depression.
Managing Brain Health
There are steps you can take to protect your brain! If you are living with T1D, try to keep these tips in mind.
- Keep blood sugar within a target range
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Follow a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Take medicine as prescribed
- Stop smoking
- Control stress
Click here to learn more about Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes can impact the brain at every stage of life. With careful management, you can minimize the impact it has! Maintaining stable blood sugar levels, leading a healthy lifestyle, and seeking support for mental and emotional health are all essential parts protecting brain health. Be sure to check out PatientsLikeMe for more information and support.
PatientsLikeMe is here to help. You can track your health, monitor the efficacy of treatment, and talk to people experiencing the same thing as you. Creating an account is free! Join today.