In a nutshell
This study examined the effects of low blood sugar levels on the working memory and language in type 1 diabetics.
Some background
Low blood glucose (sugar) levels can result in impaired brain function. During periods of low blood glucose, it is believed that the brain areas controlling working memory and language are affected. The working memory is the system that holds new information and integrates this with information stored in long-term memory. Language involves numerous processes, including the integration, comprehension and formulation of speech. Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) can experience slurred speech and difficulties with language during episodes of low blood glucose levels.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine the effect which low blood glucose levels have on the various aspects of language. This study involved 40 participants divided into 2 groups. 50% of participants were T1D patients, while the other 50% did not have diabetes.
All participants took part in two sessions. During one session, participants were injected with insulin to lower blood glucose levels to normal. During the other session, blood sugar levels were lower than normal (hypoglycemia). Language tests were performed to assess the relationship between working memory and language. Language tests were also performed to assess comprehension (reading pace and grammar).
Patients with T1D performed worse on tests of working memory with very low blood glucose levels. With low blood glucose levels, T1D patients were able to remember fewer words and had more difficulty with grammar than those without diabetes. Low blood glucose levels did not affect sentence comprehension in T1D patients.
The bottom line
This study concluded that low blood glucose causes a decline in working memory and also affects grammar in T1D patients.
The fine print
The sample size of 40 participants was quite small and a larger size would have been ideal.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the measures which can be taken to prevent low blood glucose levels.
Published By :
Diabetes Care
Date :
Mar 10, 2015
I had a seizure do to low glucose a year ago. I have a been a T1D for 34 years, or since I was 4 years old. The seizure left me with really bad slurred speech and problems speaking period. It also effected my penmanship really bad. I can barley write legibly 🙁 and my doctors can not provide me with any useful information. I am reaching out because it has effected my livelihood, social and family life. My speech has become better after a year. So I am just looking for some answers if you can help at all it would be very very appreciated! Thank you so much!