Glucose intolerance is a condition whereby the insulin receptor becomes desensitised to the action of insulin. This prevents insulin lowering blood glucose levels sufficiently in response to carbohydrate consumption, and as a result blood glucose control is diminished. Initially this can raise levels of blood glucose, but rebound hypoglycaemia can also occur whereby blood glucose levels fall too far. One of the main causes of poor glucose tolerance is the consumption of a low quality diet. In particular, the typical Western diet has been shown to lead to the development of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Large fluctuations in blood glucose levels can occur as a result of the development of glucose intolerance and this is common in those who regularly consume typical Western food. As the brain requires a consistent and continual supply of glucose for energy production, the fluctuations in blood glucose seen with glucose intolerance can cause significant mood changes, and this can lead to an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
Those with better glucose tolerance have been shown to have better mood scores compared to those with poor glucose tolerance. Strategies to improve glucose tolerance are therefore a pivotal strategy in improving mood scores. One of the best ways to improve glucose tolerance is to consume a traditional diet. Traditional diets such as the Mediterranean diet have been shown to significantly improve glucose tolerance. This is because such diets supply all the essential nutrients, along with high amounts of plant based antioxidants and dietary fibre. These nutrients work together to improve insulin sensitivity, and this in turn improves glucose tolerance.
A number of studies have investigated the effects of glucose intolerance on mood. For example, in one study, researchers measured the glucose tolerance of a number of individuals and then assessed their mood with a Profile of Mood States questionnaire. Those subjects with a fasting blood glucose level below 6 mmol/L were considered to have better glucose tolerance compared to those who had a fasting blood glucose levels above 6 mmol/ L. The results of the study showed that those subjects with better blood tolerance had significantly better mood scores than those with poorer glucose tolerance. Individually, poorer blood glucose control was significantly associated with decreased energy and increased tiredness. When subjects with poorer glucose tolerance were fed carbohydrate, the energy levels and fatigue felt by the subjects increased with increasing carbohydrate content to the meal. Maintaining a good control over blood glucose levels may therefore be pivotal to maintaining a more stable and consistent mood state.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
