Blood Sugar & Parkinson’s Disease

When we think about Parkinson’s disease, blood sugar isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, maintaining stable blood glucose levels can play an important role in daily energy, mood and overall brain function.

Glucose is your body and brain’s primary fuel source. After we eat, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. Insulin then helps move that glucose into cells where it can be used for energy. When this system works well, energy levels tend to feel steady and predictable.

When blood sugar rises quickly and then drops rapidly, people might experience fatigue, shakiness, lightheadedness, brain fog, irritability or weakness. For individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, these fluctuations can sometimes feel like worsening symptoms, reduced stamina, or difficulty concentrating. They may also amplify the low energy that is already common in Parkinson’s.

While blood sugar instability does not cause Parkinson’s disease, emerging research suggests that metabolic health and insulin sensitivity may influence brain health over time. Insulin plays roles beyond blood sugar control, including involvement in inflammation and cellular signaling in the brain. For this reason, supporting steady blood glucose levels is an important part of overall health.

The goal isn’t to eliminate carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important and necessary fuel source, especially for the brain. Instead, the focus should be on improving the quality of carbohydrates and slowing their digestion to create steadier blood sugar patterns.

Here are a few practical strategies:

Pair carbohydrates with protein or healthy fats. Protein and fat slow digestion and reduce sharp spikes in blood sugar. For example, instead of eating fruit alone, pair it with yogurt or nuts. Instead of toast by itself, add eggs, avocado or nut butter.

Choose higher fiber carbohydrates more often. Foods such as oats, beans, lentils, whole grains, vegetables and berries tend to produce a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar compared to refined grains and sugary foods. Fiber also supports gut health, which is an important area of research in PD.

Be mindful of portion sizes of refined carbohydrates. Large servings of white bread, pastries, sugary snacks, and sweetened cereals can lead to rapid spikes followed by crashes in energy.

Avoid long stretches without eating if you are prone to fatigue or shakiness. Small, balanced meals spaced throughout the day can help support consistent energy and prevent large fluctuations.

Pay attention to beverages. Sweetened drinks and large portions of juice can raise blood sugar quickly without providing much fullness. Water, unsweetened tea, milk, or balanced smoothies that include protein and fiber are often better options.

For individuals who also live with diabetes or prediabetes, blood sugar management becomes even more important and should be coordinated with a healthcare provider. Monitoring patterns and adjusting meal composition can be very helpful.

Remember, nutrition for Parkinson’s disease isn’t only about individual nutrients. It’s about supporting consistent energy, mental clarity, strength and daily function. Stable blood sugar is one more piece of that larger picture and can contribute to feeling more steady throughout the day. As always, speak with your healthcare team if you have questions or concerns about blood sugar management and your health. Let’s have a good start to February!