Understanding Blood Sugar and Its Impact on Your Health

Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is crucial for our overall health and well-being. However, many people underestimate the importance of blood sugar control and its significant influence on our bodies.  Unregulated blood sugar levels can cause initial symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue and blurred vision.  But in the long term, it can lead to serious complications like nerve damage, cardiovascular disease, kidney problems and even vision loss.  Understanding what’s happening physiologically and focusing on preventative measures can help ensure your body will keep a balanced blood sugar level and will help optimize your health for the long run.

But let’s get to the basics...

Blood sugar levels refer to the amount of glucose present in our bloodstream. Glucose, derived from the carbohydrates we consume, is the primary source of energy for our cells. To ensure our body functions optimally, blood sugar levels need to be carefully regulated. Normal blood sugar levels typically range between 70 and 140 mg/dL, but can vary depending on various factors such as age, activity level, and overall health.

The body employs a sophisticated system to regulate blood sugar levels. The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone responsible for facilitating the movement of glucose from the bloodstream into our cells. When blood sugar rises, insulin is released to lower it. Conversely, when blood sugar drops, another hormone called glucagon is released to increase it. This intricate dance between insulin and glucagon helps maintain the delicate balance of blood sugar levels.

Consistently elevated blood sugar levels can have detrimental effects on our health and can lead to insulin sensitivity, which means that the body’s cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin.  This occurs due to the prolonged exposure to high levels of insulin in an attempt to regulate blood sugar, leading to a decreased sensitivity of cells to the hormone.  As a result the body may require higher levels of insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels, leading to a vicious cycle of elevated blood sugar and worsening insulin resistance.   

On the other end of the spectrum, low blood sugar can also pose health risks. Hypoglycemia, often caused by an imbalance in insulin or dietary factors, can result in fatigue, weakness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar and take appropriate action to stabilize levels promptly.

There is a common misconception that diabetes is purely genetic, meaning that if someone has a family history of diabetes, they are bound to develop the condition. However, the development of diabetes is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including lifestyle habits shared within families. While there may be a genetic predisposition to diabetes, it does not guarantee its occurrence.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as poor dietary choices, sedentary behavior, and excessive weight gain, can significantly contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of the disease. Families often share similar habits and lifestyles, including dietary patterns and physical activity levels, which can increase the risk of developing diabetes.

By adopting healthier habits individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing diabetes, even if there is a family history of the condition.  

Nutrition plays a major role in stabilizing blood sugar levels as consuming balanced meals with a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats can help regulate glucose release into the bloodstream. However, our overall lifestyle, including physical activity levels, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight, also significantly impacts our ability to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent conditions like diabetes.

Tips to Avoid Blood Sugar Spikes:

• Consume a balanced diet with a focus on lean protein, fiber-rich foods, and healthy fats.  Protein helps slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels after a meal while fiber slows down digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.   
• Opting for unsweetened options from FODY or Sprout Living products can be advantageous as they are specifically designed to be low in added sugars.  The unsweetened options allow individuals to enjoy flavorful meals without causing dramatic blood sugar spikes.  
• Portion control: Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid overeating. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help keep blood sugar levels stable.
• Engage in regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity and promote blood sugar regulation.  Even spending 2 minutes walking after a meal can help decrease blood sugar levels in the body.
• Stay hydrated and limit sugary beverages, opting for water or unsweetened alternatives.
• Manage stress levels, chronic stress can raise blood sugar levels through hormonal responses, so managing stress effectively is essential.  Prioritizing your self care by incorporating breath work, yin yoga, meditation or even reading a book can help decrease your stress levels to support a balanced blood sugar level.  
• Get sufficient sleep, as lack of sleep can disrupt blood sugar regulation.  Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support overall health and blood sugar control.
• Incorporate a CGM program like LEVELS.  A continuous glucose monitor that tracks real-time blood sugar levels and provides insights into how different foods and activities affect your glucose response.

Understanding how our blood sugar levels impact our health is crucial for maintaining an optimal well-being. Taking proactive steps, such as adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress levels, and monitoring blood sugar, can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes and promote long-term health and vitality. 

Furthermore, as a practitioner dedicated to supporting individuals in their health journey, I can provide personalized programs and guidance for those seeking extra support in managing their blood sugar levels. With a tailored approach that considers individual needs, preferences, and goals, I can assist in creating a comprehensive plan that encompasses nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other lifestyle factors. Together, we can work towards optimizing blood sugar levels, promoting overall well-being, and achieving long-term health success.

‍