Impact of glucose metabolism on the developing brain

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.

Automated summary

Glucose is crucial for proper brain functioning and its alterations can lead to developmental issues. Changes in glucose homeostasis can affect brain structure and cognition, such as intelligence deficits and learning abnormalities. Glycemic control is important in preventing diabetic ketoacidosis and protecting brain development in children. Neuroimaging techniques provide insights into the mechanisms underlying brain changes due to dysglycemia.