2022 Volume 20 Issue 1 Pages 25-30
Psychosocial stress is a risk factor for diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, persistent diabetes mellitus can cause symptoms of depression, and rapid blood glucose variability can induce psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and irritability. We reviewed studies on the association between blood glucose variability and psychiatric symptoms reported in Japan and overseas, and extracted issues from the studies. In addition to diabetes being a risk factor in psychiatric symptoms, it has been suggested that hypoglycemia may also cause psychiatric symptoms. Results of 5-hour glucose tolerance test indicate that hypoglycemia and hypoglycemic symptoms may occur at a relatively high frequency even in healthy subjects. However, symptoms may not be explained by hypoglycemia alone. They may be related to changes in glycemic variability, insulin secretion, and autonomic nervous function. Although continuous glucose monitoring （CGM） is useful in examining the relationship between blood glucose variability in real life and psychiatric symptoms, there are few studies reporting a correlation between the results of 5-hour glucose tolerance test and continuous glucose monitoring, and psychiatric symptoms. It is, therefore, necessary to examine these associations in a large number of cases in the future to establish evidence.
