The effects of long-term high and low refined-sugar intake on blood glucose regulation, mood, bodily symptoms and cognitive functioning

Abstract

This study examined the effects of high and low quantities of simple sugar in the long-term diets of normal Ss on blood glucose regulation, mood, bodily symptoms and cognitive functioning in a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) situation. Two groups of normal Ss were differentiated with no overlap on quantity of simple sugars in their diet though they were comparable on level of complex sugars. They undertook a full GTT. Before and at regular intervals during testing their mood and symptoms were assessed and they performed a cognitive test. There were no differences between the groups in changes in blood glucose levels during the GTT, nor did the groups differ on mood or symptom indicators, while differences in cognitive task performance were minimal. It was concluded that elevated levels of simple sugars in the diet for prolonged periods (2 yr plus) in otherwise normal healthy Ss do not result in disturbed pancreatic or psychological functioning. Further studies are needed to explore the effects of more prolonged periods of elevated simple-sugar levels, especially in older Ss who may be at greater risk of developing middle-aged diabetes.