Can COVID Cause Diabetes? Here's What Experts Are Saying [973d5d]

Understanding Blood Sugar Levels Beyond Diabetes

When we hear about blood sugar levels, our minds often blood sugar and blood glucose are the same thing jump glands responsible for maintaining blood sugar to diabetes. However, low blood sugar levels can occur in people without diabetes, causing a range of symptoms and health issues. In this article, we'll explore what causes non-diabetic low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to manage it.

The Role of Carbohydrates in Blood Sugar Fluctuations

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for our bodies. However, not all carbs are created equal. Simple carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and sugary snacks can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels followed by an equally steep drop when insulin is released to process the glucose. This constant fluctuation can lead to hypoglycemia in some individuals.

Why Exercise Can Be Both Friend and Foe

Exercise is essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, but it's not always easy on our bodies. Intense or prolonged exercise sessions can lower blood sugar levels by using up stored glucose as energy. However, this drop can sometimes get out of hand if the individual hasn't eaten a sufficient amount of carbohydrates beforehand.

The Hidden Dangers of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is more than just a temporary condition; it's also linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. When our blood sugar levels drop, our bodies release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can have devastating effects on cardiovascular health if chronically elevated.

Blood Sugar Monitoring: The Key to Prevention

The best way to avoid hypoglycemia is through regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels. Using a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) allows you to track changes in your blood sugar and identify patterns that may indicate an increased risk for low readings.

Stabilizing Blood Sugar with Dietary Adjustments

While carbohydrates are necessary, it's also essential to understand which ones have the greatest impact on our blood sugar levels. Foods high in fiber like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes tend to cause less insulin resistance than their refined counterparts.

Addressing Underlying Causes of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is often a symptom rather than an isolated condition itself. By identifying underlying causes such preprandial blood sugar level as excessive exercise or low food intake we can take corrective action to avoid its onset and prevent more serious health problems down the line

New research raises the question of whether COVID can cause diabetes. The latest study just released in the Journal of Pediatrics found type 2 diabetes cases among American youth jumped 77% during the first year of the pandemic compared to the previous two years. It mainly happened in the southern and western regions of the country. The research team at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center went over records of more than 3,000 children newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between March 2018 and February 2021. Research showed new diagnoses of type 2 diabetes rose by 77% during the first year of the pandemic. A total of 825 cases were identified on average in the two pre-pandemic years compared with 1,463 in the first year of the pandemic. What happened that first year? In addition to COVID infections, schools were closed, sports were sidelined, kids had more screen time and less physical activity and likely didn’t get adequate sleep and eat a healthy diet. Those factors could have easily contributed to the rise in type 2 cases. Monica Robins reports: -- At 3News, we’re not here to tell you the news, we’re here to share the stories that you say matter most to you. Share your ideas, thoughts, concerns and engage in conversations about the communities in which we all call home. Follow 3News on Social: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: Visit our site: And be sure to download our app here: