It is common knowledge that uncontrolled diabetes affects the nerves and organs by virtue of which it will cause loss of quality of life. But how? A new study conducted in mice found that high blood sugar prevents critical communication between the brain and the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary activities in the body. Dr. Ellis Cooper and his colleagues of McGill University in Montreal, used mice with a form of diabetes to examine this phenomenon, This communication occurs at synapses, which are small gaps between neurons where electrical signals are relayed cell-to-cell via chemical neurotransmitters.

    "In healthy individuals, synaptic transmission in the autonomic nervous system is strong and stable; however, if synapses on these neurons malfunction due to some disease process, the link between the nervous system and the periphery becomes disrupted," Cooper said in the news release. "Our work provides a new explanation for diabetic-induced disruptions of the autonomic nervous system. This synaptic depression is apparent as early as one week after the onset of diabetes and becomes more severe over time." He added.