Growing evidence indicates a potential relationship between mood and blood sugar. Fluctuations in blood sugar, whether high or low, may cause a person to experience a variety of symptoms, which can include changes to mood.
The symptoms of low blood sugar that might affect a person’s mood include:
confusion
nervousness or anxiety
hunger
difficulties with coordination, concentration, and decision making
aggression, irritability, and impatience
personality and behavioral changes
Having high blood sugar may also causeTrusted Source symptoms that could affect mood, such as:
difficulty seeing or concentrating
feeling unwell
feeling tired or having low energy
Moreover, during periods of stress, the body releases the hormone adrenaline. The body may also releaseTrusted Source adrenaline to help a person recover from an episode of low blood sugar.
The release can bring about a fight-or-flight state known as an adrenaline rush. When the body triggers this response, it can cause:
heightened awareness
dizziness
lightheadedness
vision changes
restlessness
irritability
a nervous, jittery sensation
While blood sugar can affect mood, a person’s mood may also affect their blood sugar levels.
A pre-print paper from 2020 describes research indicating that mood and stress can significantly influence blood glucose levels and glycemic variability. However, as a 2020 systematic reviewTrusted Source points out, understanding the relationship requires more research.
*Source: Medical News Today
