We all know that abnormal blood sugar is not good, but you may not realize that when blood sugar is too high or too low, the first to sound the alarm and be most deeply affected is our brain, which is as intricate as a supercomputer.Brain。

The brain is the body's "major energy consumer," storing almost no energy itself and relying entirely on glucose from the bloodstream for uninterrupted 24-hour energy supply. Once blood sugar levels become "uncontrolled," brain function is the first to be affected.

Today, let us unveil this mysterious veil and decipher the "Morse code" sent by the body and brain when blood sugar levels are abnormal!

When Blood Sugar Is Too Low: The Brain's "Power Outage Crisis"

Imagine a bustling metropolis suddenly plunged into darkness... For the brain, hypoglycemia (typically defined as < 3.9 mmol/L) is precisely such a sudden "energy blackout crisis."

What is happening inside the brain?
Severe glucose deficiency causes brain cells (neurons) to become too "starved" to function properly, leading to weakened or even halted neural electrical activity. This results in a progressive failure of functions, from higher-level to lower-level processes.

How do humans perceive? — The body's distress signals from mild to severe:

Early "Mild Symptom" Alert (Autonomic Nervous System Warning)
This is the body desperately crying out: "Give me sugar now!"

• Palpitations, hand tremors, cold sweatsThis is the most classic "three axe strokes," which is the result of a massive release of adrenaline.
• Intense hunger sensationThe stomach feels empty and there is an urgent desire to eat.
• Anxiety, restlessness, irritabilityThe emotional control center begins to malfunction.

Mid-stage "Severe" Alert (Brain Function Begins to Impair)
At this point, the brain's higher functions have already "gone offline":

• Dizziness, blurred visionDifficulty concentrating, experiencing darkening of vision or double vision.
• Slow response, drowsinessFeeling as if not fully awake, with slowed thinking.
• Slurred speech, unsteady gait♀️: Deterioration of motor coordination, similar to a state of intoxication.

Late-stage "Critical" Alert (Severe Brain Function Failure)
This is an extremely dangerous stage and requires immediate medical attention!

• Abnormal behavior, personality changesAggressive or childish behavior may occur, making it difficult to understand.
• Convulsions, Seizures⚡: Abnormal discharge of the cerebral cortex.
• ComaExtensive suppression of brain function, life is threatened.

Remember: Hypoglycemia is an "acute condition" that develops rapidly, poses significant risks, and must be treated immediately!

When Blood Sugar Is Too High: The Brain's "Sugar Corrosion"

If hypoglycemia is like a "power outage," then hyperglycemia (whether chronic or acute) is akin to aSlow sugar corrosionIt is not immediately fatal like hypoglycemia, but the damage it causes is extensive and profound.

What is happening inside the brain?

• Blood becomes "viscous"High blood sugar leads to an increase in blood osmotic pressure, akin to soaking cells in sugar water, which causes cellular dehydration, including brain cells.
• Inflammation and Oxidative StressSugar combines with proteins and lipids to form harmful advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which trigger chronic inflammation and damage blood vessels and nerves.
• Blood vessels are damaged.Long-term high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, affecting blood supply and increasing the risk of cerebral infarction (stroke) and vascular dementia.

How Do Humans Perceive? — Chronic Physical Complaints:

The body's immediate response

• Thirst, polydipsiaThe body frantically issues the "drink water" command to dilute excessively high blood sugar levels.
• Frequent urination, nocturiaThe kidneys are working hard to excrete excess sugar from the body, taking away a large amount of water in the process.
• Fatigue, tirednessCells are unable to effectively utilize glucose for energy production, leaving the body in a state of "starvation."
• Blurred visionThe lens deforms in a hypertonic environment, making focusing difficult.

Long-term changes in the brain

• Brain fog phenomenon: Feeling mentally unclear, as if shrouded in a layer of fog, with declines in memory, attention, and executive function.
• Emotional IssuesLong-term hyperglycemia is associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
• Cognitive declineResearch has found that type 2 diabetes is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, sometimes referred to as "type 3 diabetes."

One Chart to Understand: Perception Comparison of High and Low Blood Sugar

Core Recommendations for You

1. Learn to listen to the voice of your bodyWhether it is the "acute distress call" of hypoglycemia or the "chronic complaint" of hyperglycemia, both are the body's efforts to protect you. Please take these signals seriously!
2. Suspect hypoglycemia, measure blood glucose immediately.If something feels off, check your blood sugar immediately if possible. If not,Treat as hypoglycemiaFirst, consume 15 grams of sugar (such as fruit juice, sugar cubes, biscuits).
3. Long-term stability is crucial.Avoiding drastic fluctuations in blood sugar levels, like a roller coaster, and maintaining long-term stable blood sugar levels is the best protection for the brain.

The brain is our most precious asset, and maintaining stable blood sugar levels safeguards our clear thinking, valuable memories, and healthy future.

Disclaimer:This content is for health education purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you or a family member experience any of the above symptoms, please seek timely medical attention and follow the doctor's diagnosis and treatment plan.