Long lasting high blood glucose levels in diabetes patients, the so-called 'hypers' are more harmful than expected. A research done by neuropsychologist Alette Wessels of the VU medical center in Amsterdam shows that “hypers” can lead to permanent damage in the brain. Until recently it was assumed that especially the low glucose levels could lead to brain damage.

This new discovery that too much glucose in the blood can lead to permanent damage in the brain is mainly important for type 1 diabetes patients. Often they try to prevent too low glucose levels in their blood, because during a “hypo” they suddenly feel really bad: they start shaking, sweating and get a hungry feeling. The symptoms of a “hyper” are less acute.

The research of neuro psychologist Alette Wessels shows that the damage that was though to be caused by too low blood glucose levels, is caused also by long lasting heightened glucose in the blood.

It has been long known that type 1 diabetes can lead to damage to the small blood vessels, especially of the eyes, kidneys and periphery nerves. Because of the latter the patient can, among other symptoms, suffer from pain in the lower legs and feet. The most important reason of this is chronic hyperglycemia: long lasting heightened blood glucose levels. The research to brain damage is more recent. What the consequence of the now proved brain damage is for the patient has to be followed and registered in continued research.