The Hidden Link Between Blood Sugar Imbalance and Chronic Migraines

Migraines are part of a complex disease process that continues to be rigorously studied in terms of both physiology and therapeutic interventions. While the dilation of blood vessels in the head and neuroinflammation are well-known factors, one less discussed avenue is the role metabolic dysfunction may play in the development of migraines. For many individuals, migraines are utterly debilitating—affecting quality of life, impairing work productivity, disrupting social activities, and making it difficult to consistently show up for family life. But what if balancing blood sugar and correcting insulin resistance meant that migraine sufferers were just one lifestyle factor away from reducing or eliminating regular migraines?

Metabolic dysfunction generally refers to a cluster of conditions that affect the body’s ability to utilize glucose and fats properly. This can lead to insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and excess body fat. In other words, the body’s metabolism becomes impaired and struggles to convert food into energy and maintain homeostasis. Since the brain has one of the highest energy demands in the body, when it is not able to utilize glucose efficiently, this can lead to a number of health complications, including dementia.

Those who suffer from chronic migraines are more likely to be insulin resistant.

Since the brain is an insulin-sensitive organ, it makes sense that it too can experience insulin resistance, limiting its ability to take up glucose—the main fuel for the brain. Brain imaging studies have shown that individuals do not all respond the same way to insulin [1]. Specific areas of the brain suffer in the absence of adequate glucose, leading to neuronal stress, which over time is implicated in the development of chronic migraines [2]. Insulin resistance can also trigger mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation, further contributing to the vicious migraine cycle.

Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to insulin resistance, and insulin resistance can in turn contribute to further mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs when the cells of the body do not produce enough ATP (energy). Neuroimaging studies have shown that ATP levels are lower in the brain during a migraine attack [3]. This energy deficit can reduce enzyme production and lead to oxidative stress, contributing to migraine development.

Additionally, neuroinflammation has been shown to reduce glucose metabolism in the brain [4]. Those who suffer from migraines are more likely to have higher lab markers of hs-CRP (a marker of systemic inflammation) compared to controls. Activated nerve endings trigger the release of cytokines, further contributing to inflammation. Over time, if this activation and cytokine release becomes chronic, the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain, leading to more frequent and severe migraine attacks.

So how does one begin to break this vicious migraine cycle? A great place to start is by identifying any triggers for both headaches and migraines. Common triggers include processed foods, sugary confections, alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners. Once these triggers are removed, the next step is addressing insulin resistance and lowering inflammation. It’s important to understand that migraines are typically multifactorial, and insulin resistance may be only one part of the picture.

Ready to experience relief from debilitating headaches and migraines? At IVY Integrative, you can work with one practitioner or build your own team of holistic practitioners to reset your immune system! Reach your optimum health in-person or online. Check out our Get Started page to learn how to work with us!

Author: Dr. Kellyann Tomko, ND

References

1. Heni M, Kullmann S, Preissl H, Fritsche A, Häring HU. Impaired insulin action in the human brain: causes and metabolic consequences. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2015 Dec;11(12):701-11. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.173. Epub 2015 Oct 13. PMID: 26460339.

2. Del Moro L, Rota E, Pirovano E, Rainero I. Migraine, Brain Glucose Metabolism and the "Neuroenergetic" Hypothesis: A Scoping Review. J Pain. 2022 Aug;23(8):1294-1317. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.02.006. Epub 2022 Mar 14. PMID: 35296423.

3. Reyngoudt H, Paemeleire K, Descamps B, De Deene Y, Achten E. 31P-MRS demonstrates a reduction in high-energy phosphates in the occipital lobe of migraine without aura patients. Cephalalgia. 2011 Sep;31(12):1243-53. doi: 10.1177/0333102410394675. Epub 2011 Feb 2. PMID: 21289000.

4. Lénárt N, Brough D, Dénes Á. Inflammasomes link vascular disease with neuroinflammation and brain disorders. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2016 Oct;36(10):1668-1685. doi: 10.1177/0271678X16662043. Epub 2016 Aug 2. PMID: 27486046; PMCID: PMC5076791.

Disclaimer:

This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.