Fluctuations in blood glucose can influence how the brain functions in people living with type 1 diabetes. The findings come from a study published in npj Digital Medicine, a respected journal in the field of digital health research.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that disrupts how the body uses insulin and manages glucose. Earlier research demonstrated that sugar levels that are too high or too low can impair thinking and mental processing. Those studies, however, were conducted in controlled laboratory settings that may not reflect everyday life and real-world challenges faced by individuals with diabetes.
In this new investigation, the researchers enrolled 200 adults with type 1 diabetes. Glucose levels were tracked with continuous digital sensors, while cognitive performance was evaluated through a series of smartphone-based tests. Data collection occurred at five-minute intervals for glucose and three times daily for cognitive measures, spanning approximately two weeks during which participants continued with their normal routines.
Results showed that cognitive processing speed slowed when glucose levels deviated significantly from the normal range, either higher or lower. Not all participants experienced the same effects; some reported minimal changes. Importantly, the ability to sustain focused attention did not appear to be uniformly affected by glucose fluctuations across the group.
The authors commented that reducing daily glucose variability could be a key strategy for preserving cognitive processing speed, particularly for older adults and those managing more complex diabetes care. This suggests that stabilizing glucose, not just preventing extreme highs or lows, may help maintain mental sharpness in everyday settings.
These findings align with a broader understanding that glucose fluctuations influence brain function, and they extend previous work by confirming these effects outside the lab. They underscore the practical importance of continuous glucose monitoring and targeted strategies to minimize rapid swings in glucose during daily activities, meals, and exercise. The study adds to the growing recognition that real-world monitoring and personalized diabetes management can support cognitive health alongside physical health in type 1 diabetes, offering a clearer path for clinicians advising patients on how to optimize daily functioning and quality of life [citation: npj Digital Medicine, 2024].
In the context of ongoing diabetes care, the message is practical: aim for steady glucose levels throughout the day. By keeping glucose within a stable range, people with type 1 diabetes may experience steadier processing speed and potentially better overall cognitive performance, even as they navigate the demands of everyday life and aging. Continued research will help refine how best to translate these insights into daily management goals, device recommendations, and individualized coaching for patients across different ages and levels of disease complexity.