Stuart Morrison: Managing Type 1 Diabetes With CrossFit [4e1982]

The Silent Struggle: Balancing Blood Sugar for a Healthier You

Maintaining a healthy blood sugar range is crucial for overall well-being, especially for individuals living with diabetes. However, it's not just about avoiding the devastating effects of high blood sugar levels; it's also about understanding what contributes to these fluctuations and how to achieve stability.

Blood Sugar Fluctuations: The Unseen Culprits

Stress is often overlooked as a significant contributor to blood sugar spikes and drops. When we're stressed, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that increases glucose production in the liver. This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels if not balanced with sufficient physical activity or healthy food choices. For instance, research has shown that individuals under chronic stress exhibit higher fasting insulin levels and reduced insulin sensitivity (1). Managing stress through techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help mitigate these effects.

The Role of Diet in Balancing Blood Sugar

A well-planned diet plays a vital role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Incorporating fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can significantly improve insulin sensitivity (2). These foods not only provide essential nutrients but also help slow down glucose absorption into the bloodstream. For example, a study found that consuming 25 grams of soluble fiber per day reduced systolic blood pressure by 8 points in individuals with type 2 diabetes (3).

Staying Active: The Connection Between Exercise and Blood Sugar

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. When we exercise, our body becomes more responsive to insulin, allowing glucose to enter cells more efficiently. Resistance training exercises have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in both men and women with type 2 diabetes (4). It's recommended that individuals foods to raise blood sugar aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week.

The Power of Supplements: Enhancing Blood Sugar Regulation

Certain supplements, such as chromium picolinate, berberine, and alpha-lipoic acid, have been found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels (5). However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your regimen. They can help you determine the best course of action based on individual factors such as health status, diet, and lifestyle.

Glycemic Index: The Key to Better Blood Sugar Regulation

The glycemic index (GI) 368 blood sugar level is a measure of how quickly different foods raise blood sugar levels after consumption. Foods with a low GI are digested slowly, causing less spikes in insulin demand. Examples of low-GI foods include non-starchy vegetables, nuts, and seeds. A study found that replacing high-GI carbohydrates with low-GI options resulted in significant improvements in glucose metabolism and weight management (6).

The Unseen Connection: Blood Sugar Range and Mental Health

There is a strong link between blood sugar levels and mental health. High or fluctuating blood sugar can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and decreased cognitive function (7). Maintaining stable blood sugar ranges through healthy diet choices, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and sufficient sleep can significantly improve overall well-being.

In conclusion, achieving a balanced blood sugar range requires a multifaceted approach. By understanding the various factors that contribute to fluctuations in our blood glucose levels, blood sugar tracking we can make informed lifestyle changes that support better health outcomes.

Hard-living Stuart Morrison thought he might have diabetes, and he actually used to joke about it. But his life took a serious turn when he started showing symptoms of the disease, and Morrison knew he needed to break the endless cycle of partying he had fallen into. He wasn’t sure how until he found ULT CrossFit in Ayrshire, U.K. Morrison recalls the benders he used to go on every weekend with his friends. He remembers feeling terrible and eating poorly for days afterward but recovering well enough by Thursday to do it all over again. “We didn’t think anything bad would ever happen to us,” he says. But then he started feeling tired and dehydrated, and he noticed he was making more frequent trips to the bathroom. The doctors confirmed his suspicions: Like his grandfather before him, Morrison had Type 1 diabetes. When he walked through the doors of ULT CrossFit, he had dark circles under his eyes and looked gaunt. The coaches knew he needed to replace alcohol and drugs with constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity, along with a diet of meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar. With his new fitness and nutrition regimens, Morrison isn't just managing his disease: He’s thriving. CrossFit® - Forging Elite Fitness® ( The CrossFit Journal -- ( The CrossFit Games -- ( The CrossFit Games® - The Sport of Fitness™ The Fittest On Earth™