Presentation Information
[P-29-01]When Do Emotions Emerge? Blood Glucose Levels and the Onset of Aggression, Anger, and Irritability
*Sandra Melissa Larson, Michael J Toohey (Antioch University Seattle(United States of America))
Keywords:
anger,irritability,aggression,blood glucose,Anger treatment
This study explores aggression, anger, and irritability at different blood glucose levels. The aim is to identify specific blood sugar levels at which these emotional responses are most prevalent.
Forty-three participants with Type 1 Diabetes completed an online survey, answering three quantitative questions about their emotional experiences at different blood glucose levels: “At what blood sugar range do you feel angry?” along with similar questions for aggression and irritability, with options ranging from severe hypoglycemia (<40mg/dL) to dangerously high hyperglycemia (>400mg/dL).
The data reveals distinct emotional responses to varying blood sugar levels, with irritability (n=82) being the most common reaction at high blood sugar levels. Irritability peaked at severe hyperglycemia (>250mg/dL) and critical hyperglycemia (>300mg/dL), with 53.49% (n=23) and 51.16% (n=22), respectively. Anger (n=71) followed closely but declined once blood sugar levels exceeded 250mg/dL, dropping to 45.24% (n=19) at critical hyperglycemia. Aggression (n=46) was the least frequent, peaking at 40.48% (n=17) at >300mg/dL. While irritability and anger were both common in severe hyperglycemia (>250mg/dL), irritability became more prominent as blood sugar exceeded 300mg/dL.
Irritability was the most common emotional response across all hypoglycemic ranges, peaking at 39.53% (n=17) in mild hypoglycemia (55-70mg/dL). Anger was most pronounced in moderate hypoglycemia (40-54 mg/dL) at 30.95% (n=13), with severe hypoglycemia (<40mg/dL) contributing at 21.43% (n=9). Aggression peaked in severe hypoglycemia at 28.57% (n=12) and moderate hypoglycemia at 26.19% (n=11). These results indicate irritability dominates across the hypoglycemic spectrum, while anger and aggression are more intense but less frequent.
The link between blood glucose and emotion reveals how physiological states can present as psychological symptoms, particularly irritability, anger, and aggression. Cultural perspectives shape these responses, which influence how emotions are expressed, perceived, and managed. Considering both biological mechanisms and cultural context allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment that is effective and culturally responsive.
Forty-three participants with Type 1 Diabetes completed an online survey, answering three quantitative questions about their emotional experiences at different blood glucose levels: “At what blood sugar range do you feel angry?” along with similar questions for aggression and irritability, with options ranging from severe hypoglycemia (<40mg/dL) to dangerously high hyperglycemia (>400mg/dL).
The data reveals distinct emotional responses to varying blood sugar levels, with irritability (n=82) being the most common reaction at high blood sugar levels. Irritability peaked at severe hyperglycemia (>250mg/dL) and critical hyperglycemia (>300mg/dL), with 53.49% (n=23) and 51.16% (n=22), respectively. Anger (n=71) followed closely but declined once blood sugar levels exceeded 250mg/dL, dropping to 45.24% (n=19) at critical hyperglycemia. Aggression (n=46) was the least frequent, peaking at 40.48% (n=17) at >300mg/dL. While irritability and anger were both common in severe hyperglycemia (>250mg/dL), irritability became more prominent as blood sugar exceeded 300mg/dL.
Irritability was the most common emotional response across all hypoglycemic ranges, peaking at 39.53% (n=17) in mild hypoglycemia (55-70mg/dL). Anger was most pronounced in moderate hypoglycemia (40-54 mg/dL) at 30.95% (n=13), with severe hypoglycemia (<40mg/dL) contributing at 21.43% (n=9). Aggression peaked in severe hypoglycemia at 28.57% (n=12) and moderate hypoglycemia at 26.19% (n=11). These results indicate irritability dominates across the hypoglycemic spectrum, while anger and aggression are more intense but less frequent.
The link between blood glucose and emotion reveals how physiological states can present as psychological symptoms, particularly irritability, anger, and aggression. Cultural perspectives shape these responses, which influence how emotions are expressed, perceived, and managed. Considering both biological mechanisms and cultural context allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment that is effective and culturally responsive.