A new study by Brown University researchers may have identified a link between mindfulness and glucose levels. Mindfulness refers to being aware of the thoughts and emotions that are presently being experienced, and people who have healthier glucose levels tend to be more mindful than those whose glucose levels are not as healthy. The research shows that improving the level of mindfulness and being able to live in the now and this specific moment can be beneficial and lead to better physical and mental health in the long run. The study researchers do caution that the data does not prove cause and effect though, but it does suggest that a higher level of mindfulness could lead to an improvement in cardiovascular health. A connection between healthier blood glucose levels and a higher level of mindfulness was seen by the researchers but there could be many other factors at play as well.
Brown University School of Public Health assistant professor of epidemiology and lead study researcher and author Dr. Eric Loucks explained the study on mindfulness and glucose levels and the results seen from this study. Loucks and the other researchers explained “This study demonstrated a significant association of dispositional mindfulness with glucose regulation, and provided novel evidence that obesity and sense of control may serve as potential mediators of this association. As mindfulness is likely a modifiable trait, this study provides preliminary evidence for a fairly novel and modifiable potential determinant of diabetes risk. There’s been almost no epidemiological observational study investigations on the relationship of mindfulness with diabetes or any cardiovascular risk factor. This is one of the first. We’re getting a signal. I’d love to see it replicated in larger sample sizes and prospective studies as well.”
