New interesting research regarding migraine headaches and blood sugar levels was published in the Human Genetics Journal. The research was held at the Queensland University of Technology. The lead researchers were Dr. Rafiqul Islam and Dr. Dale Nyholt. The authors of the study have studied the genetic link in large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS). It is a statistical method. They have used it to study the genomes of thousands of patients with migraine and people without migraine.

This link between migraine and glycemic traits (blood sugar) has been frequently studied in observational kind of epidemiological studies but the link has not been established clearly (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Genetic overlap and causality between blood metabolites and migraine

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Evidence for Link Between Migraine and Blood Sugar Level

In this study, the researchers examined the link between migraine and nine glycemic traits. The glycemic traits such as insulin resistance, low blood sugar levels, and hyperinsulinemia (increased levels of insulin in the blood) and type 2 diabetes were thoroughly studied in European populations.

They have identified a shared gene loci and genetic links in the analysis and have established a positive link between headache, migraine, and glycemic traits (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Cross-trait analyses identify shared genetics between migraine, headache, and glycemic traits, and a causal relationship with fasting proinsulin

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The researchers also performed cross-trait analysis to prove genetic correlation, identify shared genome, genes, and specific related genetic pathways. This was then tested it for a causal association between migraine, headache, and impaired regulation of blood sugar levels.

Out of the 9 blood sugar level traits that they have examined, the most impactful link was found between migraine and fasting insulin levels in the blood. Along with this, a significant connection was found between glycated hemoglobin and both headache as well as migraine. Two-hour glucose or postprandial glucose was related only to migraine.

There were genetic risk factors that are shared between migraine and fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin. The other shared risk factors are headache, glucose levels, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting proinsulin.

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The lead researcher in the study Dr. Islam has quoted, “Further analyses produced evidence for a causal relationship between migraine and headache with multiple glycemic traits.

“Our findings provide avenues to develop novel treatment strategies for managing glycemic traits in migraine and headache patients, particularly increasing fasting proinsulin level to protect against headache.”

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Little about migraine

Migraine is a debilitating illness affecting almost 15 % of individuals around the world. It affects the quality of life of many sufferers. It usually occurs on one side of the head and may be accompanied by photophobia (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Cross-trait analyses identify shared genetics between migraine, headache, and glycemic traits, and a causal relationship with fasting proinsulin

Go to source).

Back in 1935, this kind of one-sided headache with nausea, vomiting and photophobia is termed a "glycemic headache" by doctors back then.

References:

1. Cross-trait analyses identify shared genetics between migraine, headache, and glycemic traits, and a causal relationship with fasting proinsulin - (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00439-023-02532-6)
2. Genetic overlap and causality between blood metabolites and migraine - (https://www.cell.com/ajhg/fulltext/S0002-9297(21)00347-5)

Source-Medindia