Poor Teen Blood Sugar Control Linked to Long-Term Nerve Damage in Type 1 Diabetes
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A new study reveals that inadequate blood sugar management during adolescence significantly elevates the risk of developing painful neuropathy – nerve damage – later in life for individuals with type 1 diabetes.
The research, spanning over three decades and co-led by investigators at the University of Michigan, underscores the challenges young people face in maintaining stable blood glucose levels as they transition through their teenage years. The findings highlight a critical need for enhanced support during this vulnerable period to prevent lasting health complications.
The Long Shadow of Adolescent Hyperglycemia
Researchers followed nearly 2,000 participants diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before the age of six, meticulously tracking their HbA1c levels – a measure of average blood sugar – over thirty years. The study revealed a concerning trend: participants experienced an average blood sugar reading of 8.9% during adolescence, notably higher than both their childhood and adult levels.
This period of poorer glycemic control proved to be a significant predictor of future health problems. Individuals who exhibited the greatest increase in HbA1c from childhood to adolescence were not only more likely to maintain elevated blood sugar levels in adulthood, but also faced a substantially increased risk of neuropathy.
Neuropathy, a debilitating condition affecting up to 50% of the nearly 40 million Americans with diabetes, causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities. “Our findings suggest that difficulties maintaining blood sugar in adolescence may lead to greater difficulties in achieving future glycemic control,” explained a senior author of the study.
Unpacking the Biological Mechanisms
While the precise mechanisms linking adolescent hyperglycemia to long-term complications remain unclear, experts believe the connection lies in the detrimental effects of prolonged high blood sugar. “Although the mechanisms behind that association are unclear, hyperglycemia leads to impairments in cell metabolism, insulin signaling and glucose regulation, all of which could cause long-term challenges in optimal glycemic control,” the researcher stated.
However, it’s important to note that adolescent blood sugar control isn’t the sole determinant of future health. According to an assistant professor of metabolism, endocrinology, and diabetes at U-M Medical School who was not involved in the study, “While clear links between glycemia and neuropathy have been found in type 1 diabetes, we know there are also vascular risk factors that play a key role in the development of neuropathy.”
A Call for Proactive Support
The study, published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice in July 2025, emphasizes the vital importance of providing comprehensive support to teenagers navigating the complexities of type 1 diabetes. Ensuring a smooth transition to adult care and empowering adolescents to effectively manage their blood sugar are crucial steps in preventing future complications.
“This unique study emphasizes the importance of supporting teenagers with type 1 diabetes to manage their blood sugar well and ensure a smooth transition to adult care to prevent future complications,” a lead investigator concluded. The research serves as a powerful reminder that investing in the health of young people with type 1 diabetes today can yield significant benefits for their long-term well-being.
Source: Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan
Journal reference: Moran, C., et al. (2025). Associations between HbA1c and complications in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before age 6: A 30-year follow-up study. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2025.112447
