A new genetic link between migraine and mismanaged blood sugar levels is confirmed. It can help discover new treatments
- Migraine and headaches have common genetic links to blood sugar regulation
- Migraine, headache, and blood sugar dysregulation occur together for many patients
- These genetic links and findings pave the way for new diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic approaches
Read More..
Genetic overlap and causality between blood metabolites and migraine
Go to source).
Evidence for Link Between Migraine and Blood Sugar Level
In this study, the researchers examined the link between migraine and nine glycemic traits. The glycemic traits such as insulin resistance, low blood sugar levels, and hyperinsulinemia (increased levels of insulin in the blood) and type 2 diabetes were thoroughly studied in European populations.They have identified a shared gene loci and genetic links in the analysis and have established a positive link between headache, migraine, and glycemic traits (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Cross-trait analyses identify shared genetics between migraine, headache, and glycemic traits, and a causal relationship with fasting proinsulin
Go to source).
The researchers also performed cross-trait analysis to prove genetic correlation, identify shared genome, genes, and specific related genetic pathways. This was then tested it for a causal association between migraine, headache, and impaired regulation of blood sugar levels.
Out of the 9 blood sugar level traits that they have examined, the most impactful link was found between migraine and fasting insulin levels in the blood. Along with this, a significant connection was found between glycated hemoglobin and both headache as well as migraine. Two-hour glucose or postprandial glucose was related only to migraine.
There were genetic risk factors that are shared between migraine and fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin. The other shared risk factors are headache, glucose levels, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting proinsulin.
“Our findings provide avenues to develop novel treatment strategies for managing glycemic traits in migraine and headache patients, particularly increasing fasting proinsulin level to protect against headache.”
Little about migraine
Migraine is a debilitating illness affecting almost 15 % of individuals around the world. It affects the quality of life of many sufferers. It usually occurs on one side of the head and may be accompanied by photophobia (1✔ ✔Trusted SourceCross-trait analyses identify shared genetics between migraine, headache, and glycemic traits, and a causal relationship with fasting proinsulin
Go to source).
Back in 1935, this kind of one-sided headache with nausea, vomiting and photophobia is termed a "glycemic headache" by doctors back then.
References:
- Cross-trait analyses identify shared genetics between migraine, headache, and glycemic traits, and a causal relationship with fasting proinsulin - (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00439-023-02532-6)
- Genetic overlap and causality between blood metabolites and migraine - (https://www.cell.com/ajhg/fulltext/S0002-9297(21)00347-5)
Source-Medindia