Effect of blood glucose level on mood states and attention

Abstract

The effect of blood glucose levels on mood states and attention was examined using 33 individuals with post-polio sequelae. It was hypothesized that lower blood glucose levels would be correlated with elevations in various mood states associated with hypoglycemia (eg. depression, anxiety, confusion, and fatigue). It was also hypothesized that levels of blood glucose which would be considered normal in healthy individuals would be correlated with impairment in performance on attention tasks in polio survivors. Blood glucose levels were assessed by use of finger-stick prior to and after testing, which was comprised of the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), Digit Span, and Visual Memory Span.;There were no significant correlations between blood glucose levels and mood states as measured by the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Results indicated a significant correlation between glucose level at pre-test and at post-test and performance on the PASAT. As blood glucose levels dropped there was a significant drop in the percentage of correct responses on this test. Implications of these findings and issues for future research were discussed.