CONTROLLING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR It’s More Than What You Eat
When we hear the words “blood sugar,” many of us immediately think, “I don’t have diabetes,” “My doctor said my sugar is fine,” or “I don’t eat a lot of candy or sugar.” Diabetes, candy intake, and fasting glucose levels are not my top concerns for you and your blood sugar. Blood sugar needs to be deeply evaluated. Blood sugar instability occurs when blood sugar fluctuates between highs and lows throughout the day and night — but you may not catch this on just one fasting blood test.
Furthermore, blood sugar instability can start in our teens and 20s. Indulging in meal plans high in carbohydrates and sugars as early as our teenage years can set up this cellular dysfunction where our cells are not metabolizing efficiently. Rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, beans, pastries, candy, and fruit are a few examples of food high in carbohydrates and sugar. Meal plans high in these foods plus a lifestyle lacking in protein-rich meals, cardiovascular exercise, proper hydration, and a balanced sleep pattern can increase the risk of insulin resistance. Environmental factors and genetics can increase your risk even more. Speaking of Genetics … If your dad, grandfather, and aunt have diabetes, it does not mean you are destined to have it as well. We actually have the ability to turn genes on and off. I will have to save this explanation for another time, but it is true. We must evaluate our bodies from the inside out — and intervene to break the cycles. We should support our bodies in the right areas with the proper nutrition and supplements. Keep in mind that there are “normal” and “optimal” ranges. For the Berman Way, Insulin Resistance Blood Evaluation Includes: • Blood glucose level greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL • HDL < 55 mg/dL in women or < 45 mg/dL in men
Signs of Blood Sugar Instability: • Weight gain • Brain fog • Afternoon crash • Afternoon hunger or cravings • Nighttime hunger or cravings • Interrupted sleep • No morning appetite Effects of Blood Sugar Instability: • Weight gain • High cholesterol • Heart attacks • Fungal infections • Anxiety and depression
• Low energy or fatigue • Hot flashes • Night sweats (men and women) • Dizziness • Nausea • Headaches • Poor immune system
• Poor sleep cycle, insomnia • Sleep apnea • Kidney disease • Stroke • Vision loss
• Triglycerides > 100 mg/dL • Hemoglobin A1c > 5.4% • Serum insulin level > 6 mIU/L
Blood sugar instability can lead to a metabolic dysfunction called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a dysfunction of the metabolism in which your body is not efficiently metabolizing food, specifically carbohydrates and sugar. This inefficiency leads to the body storing food as sugar outside of our cells, which commonly turns into fat in the abdominal area. The process of insulin resistance leads to systemic or full-body symptoms, prediabetes, and diabetes (if left untreated). The Causes of Blood Sugar Instability and Insulin Resistance Medications, stress, high cortisol (stress hormone) levels, vitamin deficiencies, lack of exercise, poor muscle mass, dehydration, sleep apnea, poor sleep patterns, and autoimmune diseases are some causes of blood sugar instability.
A continuous glucose monitor can be beneficial in providing objective data about your blood sugar. This can help to determine the cause of blood sugar instability. Ask Berman Health and Wellness more about using a continuous glucose monitor. Blood sugar instability, prediabetes, and diabetes are reversible . For now, understand these things: Generally speaking, protein is the most important thing to start stabilizing blood sugar. Carbohydrate balance is necessary. Vitamin replacements are required. Proper hydration is vital.
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