When most people think about diabetes, they think about the heart, kidneys, eyes, or blood sugar.
But the brain is one of the body’s biggest consumers of glucose, using about 20% of the body’s energy despite making up only a small fraction of our body weight.
This means the brain depends on a steady supply of glucose to function well.
When blood sugar levels become too low (hypoglycaemia), the brain may temporarily struggle with attention, memory, reaction time, and clear thinking. And, when blood sugar remains consistently high (hyperglycaemia), it can affect blood vessels, increase inflammation, and, over time, influence brain health and cognitive function.
For children living with diabetes, maintaining stable blood sugar isn’t just about physical health, it also supports learning, concentration, mood, and day-to-day brain function.
The encouraging news is that diabetes management, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet all help support both the body and the brain. It’s another reminder that the brain does not work in isolation.