IS RAISED BLOOD-GLUCOSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE RELIEF OF TENSION

A series of three studies examined the influence of glucose drinks and increasing blood glucose levels on mood. Experiment one considered the short-term effect of a glucose containing drink on mood in young adults: a glucose drink in the morning and higher blood glucose levels were both associated with feeling less tense. Higher blood glucose was also correlated with greater self-reported energy. In the second experiment high blood glucose levels were sustained for 2 hr by repeatedly taking a glucose containing drink. Again higher blood glucose levels were associated with reports of less tension. In a final study subjects were placed in a frustrating situation. The consumption of a glucose drink resulted in fewer negative responses, following a negative statement from the experimenter, in subjects who had fasted over-night. It was concluded that higher blood glucose levels are associated with feeling less tense.