BIDIRECTIONAL INTERACTION OF BLOOD GLUCOSE AND MENTAL STATUS AND ITS ROLE IN DEVELOPING DIABETES MELLITUS AND PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS – SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Blood glucose concentration in certain situations affects current mental status. Anxiety occurring during hunger or lack of concentration associated with hypoglycemia are well-known phenomenon. Variations of glucose levels may also present a long-term impact on mental status and mental health. Moreover, impaired mental status leads to neglecting health-promoting life choices in some individuals, while psychiatric disorders may contribute much more to the development of metabolic diseases. Aims: The aim of this review is to assess the current state of knowledge about the bidirectional interaction of blood glucose levels, including its fluctuations and management, and mental status. Methods: In our publication we used scientific sources such as publications and textbooks. Results: Studies show the most significant correlation between diabetes and psychiatric disorders, mostly depression, but also indicate that healthy individuals may present a correlation of metabolic and mental disorders. Diabetic patients are more prone to develop psychiatric disorders, but also psychiatric patients are more commonly affected by diabetes mellitus. Moreover, those suffering from both diseases show the highest risk of overall mortality. Inflammatory pathology of both diabetes and depression, which is the most common psychiatric disorder in diabetic patients, suggests that chronic inflammation may play the main role in this relationship. Conclusion: Analyzing different risk factors of comorbidity, the significance of reversible ones is indisputable. Taking that into account, some lifestyle changes may be beneficial for metabolic and mental disorders prevention. Further studies could indicate certain pathological relationships and help understand the correlation between blood glucose and mental state in healthy individuals.