There are many tools and techniques to help manage type 1 diabetes. If the condition is not managed, diabetes can affect multiple organs, including the brain. Large increases and decreases in blood glucose levels are associated with depression, decreased concentration, and slower physical and mental responsiveness.
Experts need to do more research to clarify the exact short- and long-term effects of diabetes on the brain, and hopefully find ways to prevent or even reverse the damage.
Effects of high blood sugar on children
A study published in 2014 by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) showed that high blood sugar slows brain growth and development during brain development. This is also true when children’s blood sugar levels fluctuate dramatically up and down.
Brain scans showed differences between children with diabetes and children without diabetes. But researchers found no major differences in IQ, mood, behavior, learning, or memory skills. It is not clear whether diabetes affects the child’s muscle movement and information processing speed.
Effects of high blood sugar on adults
Adults with long-term type 1 diabetes have slower physical and mental responses. Researchers say diabetes does not appear to affect the ability to learn and think, but it can affect memory and attention.
Similar to type 2 diabetes, people with type 1 diabetes are more likely to experience depressive symptoms. High blood sugar levels and the stress of managing the disease over time are to blame.
Coping
The best defense is to control blood sugar, eat healthy, and follow medical advice.
The longer blood sugar stays high or low, or fluctuates from one extreme to the other, the more likely the brain is to be affected. A good tool to check this is a ambulatory glucose monitor, which checks your blood sugar every 5 minutes.