Why Protein Helps Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)? – Dr.Berg [d4ee65]
2025-09-13
Understanding Blood Sugar Tests: At-Home vs Lab Tests - Which is Right for You?
The Convenience of At-Home Blood Sugar Testing
At-home blood sugar testing has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the advancement of technology and user-friendly devices. These portable glucometers allow individuals to measure their blood glucose levels at any time, providing instant feedback on how their diet, exercise routine, or medication is affecting their body. The convenience of at-home testing empowers individuals with diabetes or prediabetes to take control of their health management, enabling them to make informed lifestyle choices and adjustments as needed.
However, it's essential to note that while at-home tests offer flexibility and ease of use, they may not always provide an accurate reading. Factors such as incorrect calibration, inadequate finger pricking technique, or the presence of contaminants can lead to inaccurate results. This is why many healthcare professionals recommend regular lab testing for individuals with diabetes.
The Importance of Lab Testing in Blood Sugar Management
Lab tests are conducted by trained medical professionals and utilize sophisticated equipment to provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual's blood sugar levels. Unlike at-home devices, laboratory tests also evaluate other critical is 101 blood sugar good health markers, such as lipid profiles, kidney function, and liver enzymes. This holistic approach enables healthcare providers to gain valuable insights into an individual's overall metabolic health.
Lab testing can be more accurate than at-home methods because it reduces the risk of human error and eliminates variables like incorrect device calibration or inadequate blood collection techniques. Furthermore, laboratory tests provide a precise reading on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels - a crucial indicator of long-term blood sugar control that is not directly measured by glucometers.
Weighing the Pros and Cons: At-Home vs Lab Tests
At-home testing offers unparalleled convenience, flexibility, and immediate feedback. However, it may lack accuracy due to various technical issues or human errors. On the other hand, lab tests provide precise results while ensuring that no critical health markers are overlooked. They do require more time commitment but offer reassurance for healthcare providers managing complex cases.
To strike a balance between these two options, many healthcare professionals recommend using at-home devices during daily monitoring and scheduling regular laboratory assessments to confirm accuracy and monitor long-term trends. Individuals should also consider consulting their healthcare provider before choosing either method or combining them for comprehensive blood sugar management.
Tips for Effective At-Home Blood Sugar Testing
To maximize the benefits of at-home testing, it's crucial to use your device correctly:
- Calibrate your glucometer regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Wash and dry hands thoroughly before each test Avoid sharing devices or using expired strips to ensure accurate results. For individuals with diabetes, proper technique is vital for reliable measurements.
Addressing Limitations: Overcoming Challenges in Blood Sugar Management
Despite its advantages, at-home testing has several limitations that should be considered:
- Accuracy concerns can lead to unnecessary worry and lifestyle changes Interpreting test results requires knowledge of individual data points (e.g., 202 mg/dl blood sugar level time of day) that inform healthy management choices.
Healthcare providers must carefully educate patients on the proper use and understanding of their at-home devices, ensuring they recognize when tests are needed or if immediate action is required based on unexpected fluctuations in blood glucose levels. This informed approach empowers individuals blood sugar 180 in morning to navigate various health scenarios confidently while taking proactive steps toward maintaining optimal well-being.
Get access to my FREE resources 👉 Here's what consuming protein may do if you have hypoglycemia. Check this out. Healthy Ketogenic Diet and Intermittent Fasting: Timestamps 0:21 Low blood sugar 0:44 Hypoglycemia symptoms 0:54 My experience with hypoglycemia 1:05 Protein as fuel for the body 1:59 Hypoglycemia and carbs 2:12 Will consuming protein raise insulin? 3:04 What you can do for hypoglycemia In this video, we're going to talk about protein and hypoglycemia, and I'm going to cover how protein affects blood sugar. With hypoglycemia, what happens, is when the blood sugar goes up, insulin pushes it down, leaving you with low blood sugar. People with low blood sugar typically have a higher amount of insulin pushing blood sugar down, and there are no counter hormones to push the blood sugar back up. Hypoglycemia symptoms: • Fatigue • Dizziness • Irritableness • Grouchiness • Dry eyes • Depression Some people have this idea that the fuel that the body uses is either glucose, fat, or ketones. But, protein can be used as fuel too. Protein can be converted into glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis. Protein can act as a fuel in addition to replacing the protein in your body. This is why when you consume protein when you have low blood sugar, you start feeling better. If you have hypoglycemia and you were to consume carbohydrates, you might feel better for a minute, but then the insulin will kick the blood sugar back down. When you consume protein, you will stimulate some insulin, but at the same time, you will stimulate glucagon. Glucagon is the opposing hormone to insulin. Glucagon will raise the blood sugar, and insulin will lower it, creating a leveling effect. I actually recommend a moderate amount of protein. I believe what may be best for those with hypoglycemia is to get on the healthy ketogenic diet combined with intermittent fasting. Talk to a Product Advisor to find the best product for you! Call 1-540-299-1556 with your questions about Dr. Berg's products. Product Advisors are available Monday through Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 9am-5pm EST. * At this time, we no longer offer Keto Consulting and our Product Advisors will only be advising on which product is best for you and advise on how to take them. Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio: Dr. Berg, 56 years of age is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of The New Body Type Guide and other books published by KB Publishing. He has taught students nutrition as an adjunct professor at Howard University. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media. Follow us on FACEBOOK: fb.me/DrEricBerg ABOUT DR. BERG: Disclaimer: Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The Health & Wellness, Dr. Berg Nutritionals and Dr. Eric Berg, D.C. are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this video or site. Thanks for watching! While protein may help with hypoglycemia, it may be really beneficial to get on the healthy keto diet and do intermittent fasting if you have hypoglycemia.