Blood Sugar Basics - Part 1
Part 1 of 2: The Importance of Blood Sugar Regulation in Health
Regulating blood sugars is an essential part of weight management and the maintenance of overall health. Learn why it is so important in Part 1.
Blood sugar is a term very familiar to diabetics. However, it is a concept everyone should understand because it has a major impact on weight management and the maintenance of overall health. "Blood sugar" is a measurement of glucose (or sugar) in the blood and it fluctuates with the foods we eat. Blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low are very damaging to the body and can cause severe issues with weight. This article focuses mainly on high blood sugar, which is a problem with type 2 diabetes - a common disease that is growing at an astounding rate.
Essentially, foods like carbohydrates are broken down into sugars in the body. This increases our blood sugar, which tells the pancreas to secrete a hormone called insulin. This is a key that unlocks our cells and allows the sugar to enter, thus leaving the blood stream and lowering blood sugar. This process allows the sugar to then be burned through physical activity or stored as fat. Overtime, (and with an over consumption of carbohydrates and a lack of physical exercise) the body can become resistant to insulin, and it may start to require more to get the blood sugar level to come back down. This is one of the first signs that type 2 diabetes may be a problem in the future. It's a signal that the body has to work very hard to maintain a steady blood sugar level. The result is that blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
When blood sugar levels remain dangerously high for too long, it may be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. (There are specific symptoms that have to be met for such a diagnosis, so visit your doctor if you are concerned.) Consistently high blood sugar levels can cause major and severe health problems with the kidneys. It can also cause neuropathy, especially in the hands and feet, and can sometimes result in the amputation of limbs. Put simply, there are many serious health consequences associated with high blood sugar levels.
When blood sugar levels drop too low, it is called hypoglycemia. This can have symptoms such as dizziness, mental confusion, and irritability. Most people who have diagnosed hypoglycemia should eat a balanced snack including protein every 2 hours.
Regulating blood sugar levels is really important for everyone. It has a large impact on how we feel mentally and physically. It can also play a major role in weight (both gaining and losing). Learning to regulate blood sugars is especially important for anyone who has a family history of diabetes. There are many blood sugar regulating tools that everyone can benefit from.
Be sure to check out Part 2: How to Regulate Blood Sugar Levels and Kick the Sugar Habit.
