A new research suggests that people who generally have lower levels of glucose are more likely to lash out aggressively at their spouses.

According to Brad Bushman, the lead author of the study conducted at The Ohio State University, "Hunger caused by low levels of blood glucose may play a role in marital arguments, confrontations and possibly even some domestic violence".

The research involved 107 married couples. The study started with the couples completing a relationship satisfaction measure, which asked each spouse how much they agreed with statements like "I feel satisfied with our relationship".

During a 21-day study, researchers found that levels of blood glucose in married people, measured each night, predicted how angry they would be with their spouse that evening.

At the end of 21 days, people who had generally lower levels of glucose were willing to blast their spouses with unpleasant noises at a higher volume and for a longer time than those who had higher glucose levels.

Even those who reported they had good relationships with their spouses were more likely to express anger if their blood glucose levels were lower.

Blood glucose levels can be brought up most quickly by eating carbohydrates or sugary foods.

The study has appeared online in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.