Does Erythritol Increase The Risk Of Heart Disease And Stroke? [baab02]

The Midnight Spike: Understanding Why Blood Sugar Levels Rise at Night

Blood sugar levels can fluctuate throughout the day, but did you know that they tend to spike in the middle of the night? This phenomenon is known as nocturnal hypoglycemia or nighttime blood sugar surges. To understand why this happens, let's dive into some key factors.

The Role of Insulin Sensitivity and Resistance

Insulin sensitivity refers to how well your body responds to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. When you eat, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and absorbed into the bloodstream. The pancreas releases insulin to facilitate glucose uptake in cells throughout the body. However, over time, some people develop insulin resistance, making it more challenging for their bodies to regulate blood sugar levels efficiently.

The Impact of Sleep Quality on Blood Sugar Regulation

Research suggests that poor sleep quality can disrupt blood sugar regulation and increase nocturnal hypoglycemia. This is because sleep affects the body's natural circadian rhythm, influencing hormone secretion patterns, including insulin release. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that patients with type 2 diabetes experienced increased glucose levels during late-night hours compared to those who had better sleep quality.

The Effect of Physical Inactivity on Blood Sugar Levels

Lack of physical activity is another factor contributing to nocturnal hypoglycemia. Regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of blood sugar surges at night. A review published in Diabetes Care found that sedentary behavior was associated with increased glucose levels and reduced insulin sensitivity.

The Connection Between Stress and amla reduces blood sugar Blood Sugar Fluctuations

Stress can also play a significant role in nocturnal hypoglycemia. When we experience stress, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels by increasing the production of gluconeogenic enzymes. Elevated cortisol levels at night can contribute to increased glucose uptake and insulin resistance.

The Influence of Diet on Nocturnal Blood Sugar Spikes

Dietary choices also affect nocturnal hypoglycemia risk. Consuming high-carbohydrate, high-glycemic index foods in the evening can lead to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels at night. Examples include white rice, pasta, and sugary snacks.

The Key Takeaway: A Holistic Approach

Maintaining healthy blood sugar ranges requires a multifaceted approach that considers lifestyle habits beyond 102 mg/dl fasting blood sugar diet alone. While managing nocturnal hypoglycemia can be challenging, understanding the contributing factors can help alleviate this phenomenon. Regular physical 2 hours after eating blood sugar level activity, stress management techniques, and good sleep hygiene are essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Practical Tips to Mitigate Nocturnal Blood Sugar Surges

To minimize nighttime blood sugar spikes:

• Engage in regular exercise during the day
• Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to manage stress
• Prioritize good sleep hygiene, aiming for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night
• Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can better regulate blood sugar levels throughout the day.

In this video, I am reviewing and critiquing the recently published study linking the sugar-substitute erythritol to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. - SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL FOR MORE CONTENT LIKE THIS - - JOIN THE NOURISHED BY SCIENCE COMMUNITY: RECEIVE ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT TO MAKE EVIDENCE-BASED DIETARY CHANGES TO MINIMIZE YOUR RISK OF CHRONIC DISEASE - - VIDEO DESCRIPTION - A recent study published in Nature Medicine linked the sugar substitute erythritol to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. This publication triggered a major storm on social and traditional media, because erythritol has increasingly been used as a sugar substitute, and is quite popular particularly among people who consume low-carb or keto-diets. In this video, I will summarize the study findings, and share my top five concerns that collectively cast some doubt about whether dietary erythritol is indeed linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, as the paper suggested. - TIP JAR: SUPPORT MY EFFORTS TO CREATE THIS FREE CONTENT - - LINK TO BLOG POST ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIDEO, INCLUDING REFERENCES - - TIMESTAMPS - 0:00 Introduction 1:13 Summary of study findings: blood erythritol is associated with heart attacks and strokes 6:55 Concern #1: Lack of generalizability 8:05 Concern #2: Blood erythritol may not be a biomarker of dietary erythritol intake 8:44 Concern #3: Confounding by pre-existing conditions 15:27 Concern #4: Confounding by dietary factors 17:37 Concern #5: Mechanistic studies may not be relevant for humans 20:53 Conclusions - LINKS - Nourished by Science Online: Homepage: Twitter: Facebook - DISCLOSURES AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY - - DISCLAIMER - The content of this video, this YouTube channel in general, and our blog at www.nourishedbyscience.com is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be health or medical advice. Although we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information posted to this Website, we can make no guarantees as to how the information and advice provided herein will affect you and your personal situation. If you need or require individual advice or guidance, then you should consult with a professional who can assist you. For our full disclaimer, please refer to