Fasting blood glucose levels and cognition in euglycemic adults

Blood glucose levels consistent with a diagnosis of diabetes are associated with declines in cognition beyond the effects of normal aging. Less is known however about the impact of non-diagnostic blood glucose levels on cognitive function in older adults. This study examined the effects of fasting blood glucose measured on a continuum, on cognitive performance for tests of immediate and delayed declarative memory, working memory, executive functions and psychomotor speed, in 100 healthy euglycemic adults, 18 to 78 years of age. Though fasting blood glucose levels were not associated with cognitive function themselves, they interacted with other variables (i.e., age, sex) to exert effects on working memory and executive functions performance. This suggests that cognitive deficits ascribed to diabetes may be apparent well before the diagnosis of a clinical disorder is made.