Diabetes and the Brain

The adult brain is one of the largest organs of the body; it reaches full size in our later teen years. Brain cells are a very specialized type of cell. The brain is the primary center for regulation and coordinating all body activities, but its main function is communication. The brain receives and interprets signals sent to it from all parts of the body, internal and external. The brain is connected to the heart and they communicate with each other. A person may say 'I love you with all my heart. The brain knows that before it is even spoken. The brain is made up of living tissue. Tissue is a group, or collection, of all like cells that act together in the performance of a particular function. When there is no oxygen or blood flowing through the body systems, the brain and the whole body die.

In order to survive, our brains need glucose (sugar), vitamins, minerals, and other essential chemicals to function properly. The brain and red blood cells depend entirely upon glucose as their main source of energy. Protein and fat are important in the diet, but carbohydrates are the quickest source of energy for the brain. The brain uses a large percentage of oxygen breathed, glucose, and blood being pumped from the heart.

You must know the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates like fruit, milk, syrups, honey, all the 'ose' foods, regular sodas, and sweets are in the bloodstream within fifteen minutes. Simple carbohydrates are used as quick energy sources.

Complex carbohydrates are usually associated with fiber and other nutrients, which provoke a slower reaction or increase in blood sugar. Complex carbohydrates usually peak after about sixty to ninety minutes and are in foods like bananas, tomatoes, squash, all cereals, grains, breads, pasta, crackers, potatoes, rice, yams, peas, carrots, and dried beans.

As food enters the mouth, intestines, and stomach, the brain determines how much insulin is needed and tells the pancreas to release it into the bloodstream to allow for the sugar you just consumed. Your brain might tell the pancreas to release insulin, but the pancreas may not be able to release any, or enough, because of the diabetes. The brain apparently does not know or allow for the fact that the body has diabetes. Diabetics have to help their bodies achieve a balance between insulin and glucose levels.

The brain is the organ most sensitive to blood sugar levels. When you have low blood sugar, it changes the way the brain functions. The brain wants glucose (sugar) and needs it very quickly. When the brain doesn't get enough glucose, many symptoms of hypoglycemia appear. Hypoglycemia is when there is not enough sugar in the system for the body to function; it can lead to death if not treated.

When your sugar runs high for a long period of time, as in hyperglycemia, it can affect your memory, as well as lead to many complications of diabetes. There are a lot of complications from having diabetes. As a diabetic, what and when you eat can affect intelligence, the way you act, and your moods. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia will keep the brain from doing its job and functioning the way it should.