Frequent blood sugar spikes may increase the risk of long-term brain damage.
Experts warn repeated glucose spikes could harm brain health over time
New research analysing data from more than 350,000 UK adults has found that people who experience larger rises in blood sugar after eating are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
The study, led by researchers at the University of Liverpool, found a 69% higher risk among those with poorer glucose control.
The findings add to growing concern around “glucose spikes” - rapid rises and falls in blood sugar - which have gained attention through the rise of wearable health tech and online health trends. While such fluctuations are a normal part of metabolism, experts say problems arise when spikes become frequent, prolonged, and poorly regulated.
Victoria Garfield, a genetic epidemiologist at the University of Liverpool, told The Telegraph: “Overall, research shows that people shouldn’t be overly worried about blood sugar spikes in general. They’re part of normal physiology. Where we need to be a little bit more careful is when they’re more frequent, larger and prolonged. People experiencing this are more likely to end up with neurone damage over the long-term.”
Experts say diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars - including sweets, soft drinks and processed foods - are among the main drivers of sharp glucose spikes, as they are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Dr Gregg Fonarow, a preventative cardiologist at UCLA Health, said the effects are cumulative and develop over time.
He said: “I don’t want to give the impression that every one of these spikes is causing serious damage that can’t be reversed. This is very subtle and plays out over years and decades. And the real problems happen when you get these larger increases which fail to come down quickly after a meal.”
Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, increase inflammation, and contribute to conditions including heart disease, kidney damage and cognitive decline.
Researchers say maintaining stable blood sugar through diet, exercise and balanced meals may help reduce long-term risks.