Blood sugar spikes are often associated with diabetes and lifestyle-related diseases.
According to Medical News Today, researchers are now investigating whether the body’s ability to process sugar may also have implications for brain health.
Previous studies have shown that high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes may be linked to poorer memory and an increased risk of dementia, but the underlying causes are not yet fully understood.
A new British study has therefore taken a closer look at whether there is a genetic connection between blood sugar and Alzheimer’s disease.
Also read: Lifelong alcohol consumption increases the risk of colorectal cancer
The study is based on data from the UK Biobank and has been published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
What does the study show?
The researchers did not measure participants’ blood sugar levels directly. Instead, they examined genes known to influence blood sugar levels after meals.
According to the researchers behind the study, this method is used to avoid interference from factors such as diet and lifestyle.
The results showed no association between Alzheimer’s disease and fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin levels, or insulin resistance.
Also read: How to find the healthiest frozen ready-made meals
This suggests that general blood sugar control alone does not explain the risk of the disease.
However, individuals with genes associated with higher post-meal blood sugar levels had a 69 percent higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The future
Andrew Mason of the University of Liverpool said in a press release from Science Daily that this knowledge could help shape future strategies.
Other researchers, however, urge caution. Speaking to Medical News Today, Dung Trinh explained that the study does not prove that blood sugar spikes cause Alzheimer’s disease.
Also read: Donald Trump dismisses fears of Alzheimer’s despite family history of the disease
According to him, further studies in other population groups are needed before the results can be applied in practice.
Sources: Medical News Today, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, and Science Daily.
Also read: Weight often returns after stopping obesity drugs, study finds