Ask Dr Mike: Steel Cut Vs. Rolled Oats [e16bd0]

Maintaining Balance During Life's Storms: Overcoming Blood Sugar Challenges

When life gets overwhelming, our bodies respond in unique ways. For individuals living with diabetes or those who simply want to maintain optimal health, managing blood sugar levels is crucial – especially during stressful events.

Blood Sugar and Stress: An Unsettling Relationship

Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which raise blood sugar levels by increasing glucose production in the liver. This can be particularly challenging for individuals with diabetes who are already working to maintain healthy blood sugar ranges.

Understanding Your Blood Sugar Range

Maintaining a stable blood sugar range is vital for overall health. The American Diabetes Association recommends that fasting plasma glucose (FPG) should be less than 100 mg/dL, while postprandial (after meal) levels should not exceed 180 mg/dL. Monitoring your FPG and postprandial values regularly helps you understand how different factors – diet, exercise, sleep quality – impact these numbers.

Managing Blood apple watch blood sugar accuracy Sugar Fluctuations During Stress

During stressful periods, it's easy to let blood sugar management slide. However, this can lead to complications like hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). To mitigate these effects:

• Distribute meals evenly: Avoid skipping or delaying meals during stressful times.
• Incorporate stress-reducing activities: Regular exercise, meditation, yoga can help manage cortisol levels.
• Monitor closely with a glucometer and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system

Coping Mechanisms for High Blood Sugar Ranges

If your blood sugar ranges are consistently high:

1. Identify the cause: Common culprits include inadequate physical activity, stress, certain medications.
2. Seek professional guidance on medication management if necessary.
3. Adjust meal plans to balance carbohydrates and fiber intake.

The Impact of Low Blood Sugar Ranges

Hypoglycemia can also have devastating effects, especially in older adults or children with diabetes:

1. Symptoms: Confusion, disorientation, difficulty speaking – seek immediate medical attention.
2. Review medication timing to avoid low blood sugar spikes.
3. Always carry quick-acting sources like glucose tablets or fruits.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Managing blood sugar during stressful periods requires dedication and planning blood sugar increase symptoms but is indispensable for maintaining overall low blood sugar type 2 diabetes symptoms health and preventing potential complications.

In this installment of Ask Dr. Mike, Dr. Mike addresses the question, Which is better - rolled oats or steel cut oats? The following differences between rolled and steel cut oats are discussed: - glycemic index - satiety - insulin and blood sugar response - preparation - taste Connect with Dr. Mike! Facebook: Twitter: Google+: Instagram: About Dr. Mike: Mike Roussell, PhD is the Head of Nutrition at PEAK Performance. Dr. Mike has a diverse nutritional background serving as a consultant to professional athletes, executives as well as pharmaceutical and food companies. Dr. Mike is most well-known for his blend of nutritional science and psychology which helps clients make long lasting and power changes to their body and health. Dr. Mike holds a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and a doctoral in nutrition. He is the author of the 6 Pillars of Nutrition. He maintains a popular nutrition and weight loss blog at