Mayo Clinic Minute: Get The Facts On Type 2 Diabetes [73385e]

The Hidden Dangers of Low Blood Sugar: What You Need to Know

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, is a condition that occurs when your body's glucose levels drop below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). It can be caused by factors such as skipping meals, excessive exercise, or certain medications. While achs blood sugar check high blood sugar is often associated with diabetes and other health problems, low blood sugar is equally concerning.

The Risks of Ignoring Low Blood Sugar

When your body's glucose levels drop too low, it can cause a range of symptoms including shakiness, dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. If left untreated, severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures or coma in extreme cases. Moreover, repeated episodes of low blood sugar have been linked to an increased risk of developing long-term complications such as heart disease and cognitive decline.

Causes and Consequences: What's Behind the Fluctuations?

So what causes fluctuations in your blood sugar range? One key factor is insulin sensitivity. When you eat a meal, particularly one high in carbohydrates or sugars, it triggers an increase in insulin production. Insulin helps to regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose uptake into cells. However, over time and with increased consumption of these foods, the body can become less responsive to insulin's effects (insulin resistance), leading to fluctuations in blood sugar.

Why Is Maintaining a Stable Blood Sugar Range So Crucial?

Maintaining stable blood sugar is essential for optimal health as it affects not only physical but also mental well-being. Research has shown that even mild fluctuations in blood glucose can impact cognitive function, causing fatigue, why do steroids increase blood sugar memory lapses, and difficulty concentrating. Furthermore, stress plays a significant role in exacerbating these effects by disrupting insulin sensitivity.

Stabilizing Blood Sugar: Diet and Lifestyle Strategies

To stabilize your blood sugar range effectively, it's essential to understand the link between diet and lifestyle choices. Incorporating fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help slow down glucose absorption into the bloodstream. Additionally, regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity by enhancing glucose uptake in muscles.

The Role of Sleep in Regulating Blood Sugar

Getting quality sleep is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. During deep sleep stages (stages 3-4), your body releases growth hormones that improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. Conversely, poor sleep can disrupt this delicate balance leading to elevated morning glucose readings.

Supplements That Support Healthy Blood Glucose Levels

Certain supplements like berberine, chromium, and alpha-lipoic acid may also help support healthy blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity or slowing down carbohydrate digestion. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your regimen as they can interact with medications or worsen underlying conditions.

The Impact of Stress on Blood Sugar

Stress activates the body's 'fight-or-flight' response leading to increased cortisol production. Elevated cortisol levels have been shown to impair insulin sensitivity, causing blood sugar spikes and drops over time if not managed properly through relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, yoga or meditation.

Glycemic Index: Understanding How Foods Affect Blood Sugar

Understanding the glycemic index (GI) of different foods can also help manage your diet for optimal blood glucose control. The GI ranks food based on its impact on raising postprandial blood sugar levels compared with a reference carbohydrate source, such as white bread.

When to Lower Your Blood Glucose Level: Timing Matters

Lowering high or fluctuating blood glucose effectively requires not only choosing the right foods but also timing meals correctly. This may how to bring your blood sugar down involve avoiding snacking close to bedtime and spacing larger carbohydrates throughout your daily schedule rather than loading them at mealtimes alone

Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 29 million people have been diagnosed with it. In this Mayo Clinic Minute, reporter Vivien Williams talks to endocrinologist and diabetes researcher Dr. Adrian Vella about what you need to know about Type 2 diabetes. More health and medical news on the Mayo Clinic News Network