High blood sugar impacts brain function and cognitive health

High blood sugar levels can impact brain function, causing symptoms ranging from mild to severe. According to medical experts, these effects include brain fog, slower thinking, memory and concentration issues, fatigue, mood changes, confusion, and in extreme cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.

Neurologist Mary Feldman of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center notes that while a single sugary dessert may not affect a healthy individual, significant glucose spikes in those with diabetes or insulin resistance can reduce blood flow to certain brain regions. This may lead to increased anxiety, sadness, and cognitive difficulties.

Endocrinologist Joseph Barrera of Providence Mission Hospital adds that changes in clear thinking can manifest several hours after a glucose rise. While mild elevations may not cause symptoms in everyone, very high levels can lead to rapid effects through dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. For most adults with diabetes, a glucose reading above 180 mg/dL approximately two hours after a meal is considered high.