Exploring the potential role of glucose metabolism in migraine: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Migraine is a complex neurovascular disorder of the brain. Impaired glucose metabolism is suspected to have a potential role in the pathogenesis of migraine. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association between fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and type 2 diabetes with migraine. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 29 female patients diagnosed with migraine based on the international classification of headache disorders 3 criteria. Participants underwent physical examinations to assess obesity and metabolic syndrome. Serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and lipid profiles were measured. Results: The mean FBG (97.36±31.7) and total cholesterol (162.96±39.13), triglyceride, (112.5±49.51), low-density lipoprotein (99.43–28.90), and high-density lipoprotein (48.75±7.58) values were within normal limits. HOMA-IR was marginally elevated (mean 2.56±1.69; 95% conflict interval: 1.9–3.22), indicating insulin resistance (IR). A statistically significant difference in FBG was observed between patients with and without IR (median FBG: 90; U=29; z=−3.32; P=0.001) but no significant differences were found in body mass index or lipid profile (P>0.05). Conclusion: Impaired glucose metabolism was found to have an impact on migraine pathophysiology.

Keywords

• migraine; metabolic syndrome; insulin resistance