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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.03.28.645871

Glucose levels are associated with mood, but the association is mediated by ratings of metabolic state

Kaduk, K.·Kaeber, M.·Kuehnel, A.·Berjano Torrado, M.·Grahlow, M.·Derntl, B.·Kroemer, N. B.
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Abstract

Hunger is commonly linked to negative mood and mood shifts are thought to arise from sensing the bodys internal state. However, it is unclear whether circulating glucose levels affect mood subconsciously or via subjectively sensed metabolic states. Here, we continuously monitored the interstitial glucose levels of 90 healthy adults for four weeks while they completed ecological momentary assessments (EMA; M=47 runs per participant) to rate their mood and metabolic states. As expected, hungry participants reported lower mood, and metabolic state ratings were associated with glucose levels. Although glucose levels were associated with mood, the metabolic state ratings fully mediated this association. Individual differences reflecting metabolic health (i.e., BMI and insulin resistance) did not affect the interaction between glucose and metabolic state ratings on mood. Notably, individuals with higher interoceptive accuracy had fewer fluctuations in mood ratings. We conclude that hunger-related mood shifts depend on conscious sensing of the bodys internal state instead of acting subconsciously. Our study highlights the relevance of considering the self-report of bodily signals in understanding mood shifts, offering new fundamental insights into mood regulation mechanisms. Key messagesO_ST_ABSWhat is already known on this topicC_ST_ABSO_LIAlthough glucose is linked to satiety and hunger to negative mood, it is not known if this is due to the conscious perception of metabolic states. C_LI What this study addsO_LIThe longitudinal study design leveraging continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) over four weeks, offers a unique perspective on glucose-mood interactions in naturalistic settings. C_LIO_LIWe found that the link between mood and glucose levels is fully mediated by consciously sensed metabolic states, clarifying the interoceptive link between glucose and mood. C_LI How this study might affect research, practice or policyO_LIMood is shaped by perceived metabolic states highlighting the relevance of metabolic health for mental health. C_LIO_LIThese insights improve our understanding of the association between metabolic and mental disorders. C_LI Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=103 SRC="FIGDIR/small/645871v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (33K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@7b1981org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c7a1f2org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@15944eaorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1bb802a_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

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Kaduk, K., Kaeber, M., Kuehnel, A., Berjano Torrado, M., Grahlow, M., Derntl, B., Kroemer, N. B.. 2025-04-03. Glucose levels are associated with mood, but the association is mediated by ratings of metabolic state. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.03.28.645871

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