EP96: 70% Dark Chocolate & My Blood Sugar! | Chocolate Series - The Sugar Spike Show [73a9f7]

The Silent Struggle: How Type 2 Blood Sugar Can Impact Your Heart best time to test blood sugar after eating Health

Blood sugar control is crucial for maintaining overall health, and one of its most significant impacts can be seen on heart health. If left unmanaged, high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke.

The Hidden Connection: Blood Sugar Levels and Cardiovascular Disease

It's no secret that Type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for developing heart disease. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), individuals with Type 2 diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those without it. But what exactly is the connection between blood sugar and heart health? One reason lies in inflammation, which can lead to damage of blood vessels over time.

The Risk Factors: High Blood Sugar and Heart Disease

When blood sugar levels remain consistently high for extended periods, they can increase the risk of developing heart disease by causing oxidative stress. This process damages cells throughout the body and contributes to cardiovascular problems like atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). Moreover, blood sugar 176 chronic inflammation from prolonged exposure to elevated glucose levels further exacerbates vascular damage.

The Impact on Heart Function: Complications Arising From High Blood Sugar

Unmanaged Type 2 diabetes can significantly affect heart function. Research has shown that high blood sugar levels lead to reduced ejection fraction – the percentage of blood pumped out of a person's left ventricle per beat – indicating potential decline in overall cardiac performance.

Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore: Recognizing Early Warning Signs

Knowing how to identify early warning signs is crucial. If experiencing symptoms blood sugar printable chart such as chest pain, shortness of breath during physical activity or at rest, dizziness upon standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension), swelling in legs/feet (edema) or persistent headaches consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Mitigating the Risks: Strategies for Managing Blood Sugar and Heart Health

The good news is that by working closely with your doctor to control blood sugar levels, you can minimize these risks. Lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, balanced diet high in plant-based foods fiber fruits nuts vegetables lean proteins healthy fats – alongside medication prescribed specifically tailored needs greatly reduces burden on cardiovascular system.

A Healthy Balance: Reaping the Rewards of Blood Sugar Management

Studies demonstrate substantial heart health benefits from effective blood sugar control even small improvements can significantly lower chances developing serious cardiac issues future studies also recommend monitoring regularly tracking changes.

In this Chocolate Series, I want to see how different types of chocolates impact my blood sugar, so that I can make more informed decisions. Am especially keen to see how sugar free chocolates, dark chocolates & protein bars compare to regular chocolates! . This series is a part of The Sugar Spike Show, a 1 minute episode show on reels & shorts, where I show the impact of popular foods & drinks on my blood sugar and find ways to reduce the spike. . Why I’m doing this if I’m not a diabetic: Research today shows that high blood sugar variability in the long term leads a vast variety of health issues among healthy people including diabetes, heart disease, weight gain and so on (See the work of Dr. Rob Lustig, Dr. Casey Means, Dr. Michael Snyder & Jessie Inchauspé among others). We Indians need to be extra careful, we have lots of food options. . My personal aim: 1. Blood sugar increase after eating = 30mg/dl or lower 2. Maximum blood sugar level after eating = 140mg/dl 3. Range = Be within 70-120mg/dl for 90% of the day Source: - . Please also note: - I am not a doctor & this is not medical advice - I’m not a diabetic, or even a pre-diabetic - These are my continuous glucose monitor readings (CGM), and everyone's readings can be different. In my experience, the readings can change by 10-20% even if I try the same food item on another day - Ideally each person should test foods on themselves to see how their body reacts - In addition to glucose spikes, calories & quality of ingredients also matter - Sensor I use: Abbott Freestyle Libre . #thesugarspikeshow #sugarspikeshow #weightloss #rohansehgal #rohansehgalofficial #diabetes #shorts