Study: Vitamin D May Help Prevent Diabetes | FOX 7 Austin [d67d31]

2025-09-13

Regulating Blood Sugar Levels: Understanding the Key Hormone's Role

Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health and well-being. The hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar levels when necessary is insulin. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, plays will diet coke raise blood sugar a vital role in regulating blood glucose levels after meals.

However, other hormones also have an impact on blood sugar regulation. One such example is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 has been shown to improve glycemic control and lower HbA1c levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes by reducing postprandial glucose excursions.

The Role of Glucoregulatory Hormones

Several hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and amylin, have been shown to reduce blood sugar spikes. GLP-1 has anti-inflammatory properties that improve insulin sensitivity and enhance pancreatic beta-cell function. The hormone also suppresses gastric emptying rate, which reduces postprandial glucose peaks.

When meals are high in protein or fat content, it can lead to a decrease in the incretin effect – an increase in glucose-dependent secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This reduced incretin response impairs insulin release from the pancreas and increases hepatic glucose production. Thus, eating balanced meals with moderate portions can help maintain healthy blood sugar ranges.

The Impact of Hormones on Blood Sugar Regulation

Dysregulation in hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has been linked to impaired glycemic control. Reduced secretion of GLP-1 is associated with reduced pancreatic beta-cell function, leading to increased glucose levels over time. Factors influencing hormone production include sleep quality – short or disrupted sleep patterns can reduce the release of incretin hormones.

In addition, a low fiber diet may blood sugar level 6.1 fasting contribute to decreased insulin sensitivity and increased glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) secretion by promoting gastrointestinal tract inflammation and increasing hepatic gluconeogenesis. Regular exercise stimulates GLP-1 production but also reduces its effectiveness over time if combined with high-fat diets.

The Relationship Between Stress, Cortisol, and Blood Sugar Levels

Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels in the body. While occasional acute stress has no long-term effects on blood sugar regulation or diabetes risk factors such as obesity – a significant increase can cause metabolic derangements leading to insulin resistance and higher fasting glucose values.

Elevated normal blood sugar 2 hours after meal corticosterone hormone secretion during chronic psychological distress inhibits GLP-1 release from gut L cells while enhancing glucagon production by suppressing pancreatic alpha-cell sensitivity. Therefore, maintaining healthy stress levels through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help stabilize blood sugar ranges over time.

Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Strategies

A balanced diet low in processed foods with moderate portions is the cornerstone of a regimen designed to maintain stable glucose excursions throughout the day. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and plant-based meals can improve GLP-1 sensitivity while inhibiting postprandial peak responses.

Staying hydrated by drinking water also contributes significantly as even mild dehydration impairs muscle cell entry of glucose due to decreased insulin signaling pathway activity thus exacerbating hyperglycemia risk factors.

Taking Vitamin D supplements can help improve bone health, and now new research shows Vitamin D supplements may help prevent diabetes. Doctor Kumar joins us to talk about it. #FOX7Austin brings you the important stuff like breaking news, weather, and local stories out of Central #Texas. But also plenty of fun stuff, like #GoodDayAustin, the best of our archives, and all those 'only-in-#Austin' stories. Subscribe to FOX 7 Austin: Download the FOX 7 Austin News app: Subscribe to the FOX 7 Austin newsletter: More from FOX 7 Austin: Got a news tip? Call us at 512-472-0988 or email us: [email protected]
Study: Vitamin D may help prevent diabetes | FOX 7 Austin