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Glucose metabolism in completed suicide: a forensic-pathological pilot study
Jonas Forsman1, Terhi Keltanen, Benny Liberg
1Jonas Forsman, Gotgatan 78, 11840, Stockholm, Sweden, jonas.forsman@ki.se.
Croatian Medical Journal
|March 3, 2017
Summary
This pilot study suggests that abnormal glucose metabolism, indicated by higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, may be linked to completed suicide. Further research is needed to explore this association.
Area of Science:
- Forensic pathology
- Metabolic research
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Completed suicide is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding biological correlates of suicidal behavior is crucial for prevention.
- Glucose metabolism plays a role in various physiological and psychological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between antemortem blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and completed suicide.
- To explore potential links between glucose metabolism markers and suicidal traits or states.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of blood and vitreous humor samples from suicide victims and non-suicide controls.
- Comparison of glucose, lactate, and HbA1c levels between groups.
- Statistical analysis to determine significant differences.
Main Results:
- Suicide victims showed higher mean HbA1c and lower mean estimated blood glucose, though not statistically significant.
- Persistent hyperglycemia (HbA1c > 48.0 mmol/mol) was twice as common in suicide victims (59% vs 30%).
Conclusions:
- Deranged glucose metabolism may precede or coincide with completed suicide.
- Recurring hyperglycemia could contribute to depression and suicidal ideation.
- Elevated HbA1c may serve as a biomarker for neurobiological factors predisposing to suicide.
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