Insulin Resistance: Treatment & How It Affects Weight Loss | Mass General Brigham [78d0aa]

Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

When it comes to maintaining overall health, monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial. This complex process involves various factors that contribute to fluctuations in blood sugar ranges. Let's delve into the key causes of these changes.

Blood Sugar Rises with Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when cells become what is blood sugar range for prediabetes less responsive to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas responsible for glucose regulation. As a result, more insulin is required to facilitate glucose uptake by cells, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that individuals with insulin resistance experienced significant improvements in glucose metabolism after adopting lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and healthy diet (1).

A High-Carbohydrate Diet Contributes to Blood Sugar Spikes

Consuming high amounts of refined carbohydrates can lead to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This is because simple sugars are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing an insulin surge. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming 50 grams of glucose led to significant increases in fasting and postprandial (after meal) glucose levels (2).

Exercise Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Regular physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity, reducing blood sugar spikes after meals. Research has shown that moderate-intensity exercise for at least 10 which fruit raises blood sugar the most minutes per session can decrease post-exercise hyperglycemia by up to 25% in individuals with type 2 diabetes (3). Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Diabetes Research and Clinical Metabolism discovered that combining high-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with regular aerobic exercise enhanced insulin sensitivity more significantly than either method alone.

Sleep Quality Impacts Blood Sugar Regulation

Getting adequate sleep is essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. During deep sleep, the body releases growth hormone, which stimulates glucose uptake by cells what is the best blood sugar monitor and promotes tissue repair (4). Moreover, research has shown that short-term partial sleep deprivation can lead to decreased insulin sensitivity in both men and women.

Stress Can Disrupt Blood Sugar Regulation

Cortisol release due to chronic stress affects blood sugar regulation. When cortisol levels are high for extended periods, the body's ability to regulate glucose is impaired (5). As a result, individuals with elevated cortisol may experience difficulty maintaining healthy blood sugar ranges despite other efforts at management.

Food Timing and Quantity Matter for Blood Sugar Control

Eating regular meals throughout the day can help maintain stable blood sugar levels by reducing spikes in between. Moreover, consuming protein-rich foods along with complex carbohydrates can slow down carbohydrate digestion, preventing insulin surges (6). Furthermore, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that individuals who ate more frequently had lower fasting glucose levels compared to those eating fewer meals per day.

By addressing these causes and implementing strategies like diet adjustments, exercise routines, stress management techniques, getting sufficient sleep, monitoring blood sugar regularly with tools such as glucometers or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), people can effectively stabilize their blood sugar ranges for improved overall health.

What is insulin resistance? Discover the causes of insulin resistance, commonly associated conditions such as fatty liver and type 2 diabetes, and how insulin resistance impacts your weight and where it is stored. Deborah J. Wexler, M.D., M.Sc., Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Associate Clinical Chief of the Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Unit, and Clinical Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Center, discusses the importance of proper diet and exercise when trying to stay healthy with insulin resistance. For more information on insulin resistance, click here: Subscribe Link: 0:00 - Intro 0:44 - The Causes Of Insulin Resistance 1:07 - Common Conditions That Occur With Insulin Resistance 2:08 - Does Insulin Resistance Cause Type 2 Diabetes? 2:49 - Storing Extra Weight 3:20 - Insulin Resistance Treatments About Mass General Brigham: Mass General Brigham combines the strength of two world-class academic medical centers, five nationally ranked specialty hospitals, 11 community hospitals, and dozens of health centers. Our doctors and researchers accelerate medical breakthroughs and drive innovations in patient care. They are leaders in medical education, serving as Harvard Medical School faculty and training the next generation of physicians. Mass General Brigham’s mission is to deliver the best, affordable health care to patients everywhere. Together, we transform the health of our communities and beyond. #InsulinResistance #InsulinResistanceDiet #MassGeneralBrigham Visit Mass General Brigham: Find us on social: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Mass General Brigham: Insulin Resistance: Treatment & How it Affects Weight Loss | Mass General Brigham