Impact of glucose metabolism on the developing brain

Abstract

Glucose is the most important substrate for proper brain functioning and development, with an increased glucose consumption in relation to the need of creating new brain structures and connections. Therefore, alterations in glucose homeostasis will inevitably be associated with changes in the development of the Nervous System. Several studies demonstrated how the alteration of glucose homeostasis - both hyper and hypoglycemia- may interfere with the development of brain structures and cognitivity, including deficits in intelligence quotient, anomalies in learning and memory, as well as differences in the executive functions. Importantly, differences in brain structure and functionality were found after a single episode of diabetic ketoacidosis suggesting the importance of glycemic control and stressing the need of screening programs for type 1 diabetes to protect children from this dramatic condition. The exciting progresses of the neuroimaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging, has helped to improve the understanding of the effects, outcomes and mechanisms underlying brain changes following dysglycemia, and will lead to more insights on the physio-pathological mechanisms and related neurological consequences about hyper and hypoglycemia.

Specific Learning Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Obesity

“…According to the 2016 Public Health England NHS Digital report, there are higher rates of both types of diabetes in all age groups in the SLD population compared to the general population, and these have an earlier onset, which is recorded at a younger age [60]. As reported by Cacciatore, glucose homeostasis may interfere with brain structure development and cognitivity, including learning anomalies [61]. These data may also support an overlap between behavioral and developmental disorders and glucose metabolism in young people.…”

O‐GlcNAcylation: cellular physiology and therapeutic target for human diseases

“…However, the brain is unable to store glucose. Consequently, the levels of glucose in peripheral blood can potentially affect the normal functioning of the brain 220,221 . Studies have already demonstrated that when there is an abnormal uptake of glucose in the brain, brain diseases may ensue 222 .…”

“…Consequently, the levels of glucose in peripheral blood can potentially affect the normal functioning of the brain. 220 , 221 Studies have already demonstrated that when there is an abnormal uptake of glucose in the brain, brain diseases may ensue. 222 Therefore, the HBP, acting as a nutritional sensor, has become a key focus in the research on the development of brain diseases.…”

A Comprehensive Review on the Role of Obesity in Functional Cognition (Part II): Cognition Impairment and Underlying Mechanisms, and Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Simultaneously, the presence of glucose dysregulation, a common occurrence in adults with obesity, can result in episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, both of which can have adverse effects on cognitive functioning. Epi-sodes of hyperglycemia have the potential to induce neurotoxicity and hinder the transport of glucose into the brain (20). Conversely, hypoglycemia can give rise to cognitive impairments as a consequence of inadequate energy provision to neurons.…”