Scientists at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia have linked migraine to blood sugar levels. The results of the medical research are published in the journal genes.
Researchers have analyzed the genomes of thousands of patients suffering from migraine headaches. The authors sought to find genetic links between blood sugar and migraines. The truth is, this disease often goes hand in hand with type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperinsulinemia (excessive insulin), and insulin resistance. But until then, scientists were unable to establish a relationship between these diseases.
“We identified genetic correlations and shared loci and genes, established causation, thereby confirming and improving our understanding of the relationship between migraine, headache, and glycemic traits,” the authors explained.
For example, fasting insulin levels and blood sugar levels are predicted to be genetically related to both migraine and “normal” headaches. According to the authors, these results offer opportunities for the development of new strategies for the treatment of glycemic indicators in patients with migraine and headache, particularly increasing fasting proinsulin levels to protect against headache.
Formerly socialbites.ca published An interview with Baskova, a neurologist who talks about unusual causes of headaches and how to stop them.