Operating as the powerhouse of our bodies, our blood is an outstandingly vast and intricate system. If laid out, our circulatory system alone would cover over a staggering 66,000 miles!
Blood has many functions, but a key component of whether it is working properly or not comes down to the amounts of sugar found in it. The conditions related to blood sugar are called hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia However, with their similar-sounding names, it could be easy to confuse them.
So what are they, and what are their main differences?
Let us fill you in on all you need to know.
Understanding the Body’s Blood Sugar Management System
To understand both of these conditions, it is beneficial to have a working understanding of the blood sugar management process in our bodies.
We rely on glucose to give our cells and our bodies the energy they need to keep us functioning. The main source of this is via the food we eat, although our body stores latent amounts of glucose in our muscles and liver should we not eat for some time.
The most important food group related to our blood sugar levels are carbohydrates, which, when processed, are turned into glucose. Yet, our cells cannot absorb the all-important glucose without some assistance. This is where insulin comes in.
Much like a key to a locked door, insulin produced in our pancreas allows cells to take in the glucose that our body needs. Once absorbed, the cells then turn the glucose into energy or keep it for later use.
This amazingly efficient system, when working correctly, can regulate how much insulin is needed at any given time. It considers our daily activity, rising and lowering the amount we need depending on if we have eaten or done any strenuous physical activity.
Without eating, the fasting rate of blood sugar is approximately 100 mg/dL.
Given that blood sugar management affects every cell in our bodies, from our head to our toes, the importance of maintaining a normal blood sugar level is indisputable and one that we all should pay attention to.
What Is Hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia is when we have a high blood sugar level. This is diagnosed if we have a fasting glucose level of more than 126 mg/dL and a standard glucose sugar level above 200 mg/dL.
This happens either because our bodies cannot produce enough insulin to prevent a buildup of sugar in our bloodstream, or our cells have become insulin resistant.
The reasons for it to happen are also dependant of someone is diabetic or not. High blood sugar levels are synonymous with diabetes on a whole, but the reasons behind them vary dependant on if you have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 is defined by the body not being able to produce enough insulin. For this reason, those with type one diabetes need to take in insulin, particularly after eating when their blood sugar level spikes.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is when cells in the body become insulin resistant. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1, accounting for 90-95% of diabetes cases in the US. Although it is so common, it is unclear as to the reasons why people develop the condition, although diet and lack of exercise are seen to be primary factors.
It is possible for someone who is not diabetic, however, to develop insulin resistance or prediabetes, both of which can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. In addition, certain medical conditions can cause blood sugar levels to rise, as well as having an infection which can lead to increase levels of stress hormones which can affect insulin regulation.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia to look out for include headaches and confusion, extreme thirst, weakness, frequent urination, and a dry mouth, among other things.
What Is Hypoglycemia?
At certain times our blood sugar may drop to dangerously low levels leading to high amounts of insulin in our bloodstream. This is called hypoglycemia. We fall into this category when our blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL, and it is considered dangerous when dropping below 54 mg/dL.
But why does this happen? Well, it depends on if someone is diabetic or not.
If you don’t have diabetes, then there are many reasons why your blood sugar may drop.
Perhaps the most common reason is down to not eating enough. We are all familiar with that groggy feeling that we may have if we haven’t had a meal for some time. Simply put, the lack of glucose means that our tank is running on empty, and the light-headed feeling we experience is a warning sign for us to take in the fuel that we need.
This being said, for blood sugar levels to get to a significantly low level, we would need to have not eaten for 8 hours or more.
Other common reasons include exercise and overdrinking. When we exercise or exert ourselves to an excessive level, we can use up all our available glucose stores, leading to a drop in blood sugar. In addition, if we binge drink, it can greatly disrupt the liver’s function in processing glucose for our bodies.
If someone has diabetes, then hypoglycemia can happen if they take in too much insulin or, much like anyone else, they haven’t eaten or have increased their amount of physical activity.
Signs of hypoglycemia include confusion and headaches, much like hypoglycemia, but also trouble concentrating, hunger, sweating, and in severe cases, seizures and the loss of consciousness.
The Importance of Regulating Your Blood Sugar
Given its importance, it is clear that a good understanding of our blood sugar should be fundamental to all. We hope this breakdown has been insightful to your understanding of how your wonderful body works.
If you are living with either hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, a key factor is taking in fuel that can help regulate your blood sugar levels regularly. Pep2dia does just that, as well as being tasty in the process. Find out more about it here.
Find out about stress and dermatologic disease in pets and treatment advice with the 2nd episode of LacTalk Pet!
Dr. Lisa Radosta is a Board certified veterinary behaviorist, who practices at the Florida Veterinary Behavior Service clinic.
The right information and products can reduce stress and improve our pets’ quality of life. To discover the kinds of research and other information that may provide a healthier and longer life, just contact us today!
About 70% of people with prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes. The progression between the two isn’t inevitable, though. In fact, making certain lifestyle changes could prevent diabetes from developing.
Otherwise, type 2 diabetes could lead to kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, and other problems.
Before diabetes develops, your doctor might notice a period where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. They might diagnose you with prediabetes. With these easy tips, you can learn how to prevent diabetes from progressing.
Read on to discover the 10 tips you need to avoid getting diabetes today.
1. Avoid Refined Carbs and Sugar
Your diet can have a big impact on whether or not you develop diabetes. If you want to stop diabetes in its tracks, consider what you’re eating. For example, sugary foods and refined carbs could increase your risk.
Your body will break these foods into sugar molecules. The bloodstream absorbs these molecules, which can cause a rise in blood sugar levels.
This leads your pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone designed to help sugar get out of the bloodstream and into cells.
If you have prediabetes, your cells will resist insulin’s action. Your sugar levels will remain unnecessarily high as a result.
This could cause your pancreas to produce even more insulin as it attempts to reduce your blood sugar levels.
The process can lead to higher blood sugar and insulin levels, leading to type 2 diabetes.
Before that can happen, try reducing your sugar and refined carb intake. It could reduce your risk.
2. Stay Hydrated
Are you prone to drinking sugary sweet beverages? Consider replacing your favorite soda for water instead. Otherwise, beverages with sugar, preservatives, and questionable ingredients could impact your health.
Your risk of type 2 diabetes and latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) could rise.
Instead, start drinking more water. Water can lead to better blood sugar control. It might improve your insulin response, too.
In one study, people on a weight loss program who replaced diet sodas with water experienced decreased insulin resistance. They lowered their fasting blood sugar and insulin levels as well.
Make sure water is your primary beverage of choice. Otherwise, consider adding coffee and tea to your routine.
Both contain antioxidants called polyphenols, which could protect you against diabetes. Green tea also contains EGCG, which could reduce blood sugar release. It might increase insulin sensitivity, too.
3. Work Up a Sweat
Physical activity could help prevent diabetes as well.
Exercise boosts your body’s insulin sensitivity. You’ll need less insulin to keep your blood sugar levels under control. People with prediabetes who exercised experienced increased insulin sensitivity by 51%.
Those who completed high-intensity exercises increased it by 85%.
Try adding high-intensity interval training, strength training, and aerobic exercise to your routine. Find an exercise you love and stick to it!
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking can increase your risk of:
Heart disease
Lung, breast, prostate, and digestive tract cancer
If you want to prevent diabetes from developing, try quitting.
5. Shed Some Pounds
The majority of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Meanwhile, people with prediabetes tend to carry weight around their midsection. They also have visceral fat around abdominal organs like the liver.
Excess visceral fat can promote inflammation and insulin resistance. Your risk of diabetes could increase as a result.
Losing even the smallest amount of weight might reduce your risk.
Try adjusting your diet and exercising. For example, you can try a low-carb, Mediterranean, paleo, or vegetarian diet. Try to stick with the change long-term to help you maintain your weight loss.
6. Go Low-Carb and High-Fiber
As you start making lifestyle changes for diabetes prevention, consider your diet. A ketogenic or low-carb diet might prevent diabetes.
Minimizing your carb intake will keep your blood sugar levels from rising too much after you eat. Your body will then need less insulin to maintain your blood sugar levels.
A low-carb or ketogenic diet might reduce your fasting blood sugar, too.
Try adding more fiber to your diet, which could benefit your weight management and gut health. Fiber could keep your insulin and blood sugar levels low as well.
Don’t forget dairy! Consuming low-fat dairy products helped study participants reduce their risk of diabetes. Consider adding plain yogurt to your routine.
Otherwise, minimize your intake of processed foods. Processed foods can increase your risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Avoid refined grains and additives, too.
7. Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle
If you want to learn how to prevent diabetes, get on your feet. A sedentary lifestyle could increase your risk. Instead, try to get more physical activity into your routine.
For example, you might consider standing up from your desk throughout the day if you work at an office. Try to walk around for a few minutes each hour.
In addition to considering what you eat, you might want to look at how much you’re eating. It’s not enough to follow a ketogenic or low-carb diet. If you’re eating too much, you could still lead to diabetes.
Eating too much in one sitting can cause higher blood sugar levels. Your insulin levels might rise as well.
Instead, take the time to adjust your portion sizes.
Take the time to look at the labels of the food you eat to determine the right serving size. Consider using smaller plates, too. A few minor changes can help you better manage your portion control.
9. Choose Vitamin D
Vitamin D could impact your blood sugar control. If you’re not getting enough vitamin D, it might increase your risk of diabetes.
Instead, consider taking vitamin D supplements. Make sure to talk to your doctor, first. Some vitamins can interact with any medications you’re taking.
10. Try Herbs
Adding a few natural herbs to your routine might help with diabetes prevention as well. Talk to your doctor about curcumin and berberine. They’ll help you determine if these herbs are safe for you to take.
Stop Prediabetes Progression: 10 Tips to Help Prevent Diabetes
Your prediabetes doesn’t have to progress any further. Instead, use these 10 tips to prevent diabetes. With these diabetes prevention tips, you can take control of your health and future.
Looking for more ways to promote better health? Consider ethically sourced, high-quality dairy ingredients.
Find out about stress and behavior issues in pets and treatment advice with the 1st episode of LacTalk Pet!
Dr. Lisa Radosta is a Board certified veterinary behaviorist, who practices at the Florida Veterinary Behavior Service clinic.
The right information and products can reduce stress and improve our pets’ quality of life. To discover the kinds of research and other information that may provide a healthier and longer life, just contact us today!
About 13% of adults in the US live with diabetes. Another 34.5% have prediabetes.
If your body doesn’t make or use insulin properly, you could develop high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often associated with diabetes. If your blood sugar levels continue to rise, it could cause serious problems.
For example, too much glucose can damage your kidneys, nerves, and eyes. It could cause heart disease, stroke, and other complications, too.
Don’t let it get that far. Instead, consider these 13 easy ways to naturally lower your blood sugar.
With these tips, you can keep your blood sugar levels in check without stress. Your overall health could improve as a result.
Discover how to lower your blood sugar with these tips today.
1. Work Up a Sweat
Grab your favorite pair of running shoes and head outside! Regular exercise could help you lower your blood sugar. It can also help you maintain a moderate weight.
Meanwhile, your insulin sensitivity could increase, too. Increased sensitivity means your cells are able to use the sugar that’s available in your bloodstream.
Once you start exercising, your muscles can use blood sugar for energy.
It benefits muscle contraction, too.
Try different forms of exercising, including walking, running, and biking. Consider swimming and weightlifting as well.
Your muscles will use glucose more effectively, which could reduce blood sugar levels.
2. Reconsider Carbs
As you learn how to naturally lower your blood sugar, it’s important to consider your diet. Your diet can have a major impact on your blood sugar levels.
After all, your body breaks carbs down into sugars. Insulin then helps the body use and store that sugar for energy.
If you eat too many carbs, however, the process won’t work properly. Your blood glucose levels will rise instead.
Try to manage your carb intake. You might need to begin counting carbs. Try planning your meals before you eat to make sure you’re on track.
A low-carb diet can help reduce your blood sugar levels. It could help prevent blood sugar spikes, too.
3. Stay Hydrated
Grab a bottle of water and fill it up! Drinking enough water each day could keep your blood sugar levels at a healthy limit. Otherwise, you could experience dehydration.
Drinking water will help your body flush out excess sugar through your urine.
In one study, participants who drank more water had a lower risk for developing high blood sugar levels, too.
Try to avoid beverages that are sweetened with sugar. Otherwise, those beverages could increase your diabetes risk. They might raise your blood glucose and lead to weight gain as well.
4. Get More Fiber
Remember, your diet can have a major impact on your blood sugar levels. Take a moment to consider your fiber intake, too. Fiber can slow carb digestion and sugar absorption.
In other words, fiber triggers a gradual rise in blood sugar levels.
There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber could help improve your blood sugar management.
A higher fiber diet might help patients manage their type 1 diabetes. It could help improve the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. It might help reduce blood sugar lows, too.
5. Look for a Low Glycemic Index
The glycemic index measures how we digest foods. It can impact the rate your blood sugar levels rise, too. Try eating low-glycemic-index foods to naturally lower your blood sugar instead.
For example, you can try:
Oats
Beans
Yogurt
Barley
Bulgur
Wheat pasta
Non-starchy vegetables
Legumes
Lentils
Don’t forget to monitor your carb intake.
6. Consume Chromium and Magnesium
A micronutrient deficiency could impact your blood sugar levels. Try eating foods that are high in chromium and magnesium.
For example, you can try:
Fruit
Vegetables
Nuts
Whole grains
Meats
Dark leafy greens
Tuna
Avocados
Beans
Bananas
Dark chocolate
These foods could reduce your risk of blood sugar problems. Otherwise, consider taking supplements.
7. Minimize Stress
Stress could cause your blood sugar levels to spike. Your cortisol and glucagon levels will rise, which can impact your blood sugar levels.
Try meditating, exercising, or using yoga to relax. You could lower your blood sugar levels as your stress levels drop.
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night. Otherwise, your insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels could fluctuate. You might experience weight gain or increased appetite as a result.
Inadequate sleep can disrupt metabolic hormones, too.
Instead, improve your sleep quantity and quality to improve your health.
9. Keep Track
How do you know if your blood sugar is low? Make sure you’re monitoring it! Monitoring your blood glucose levels could help you manage them.
You can determine if you need to adjust your medications or meals. You can see how your body reacts to certain foods, too.
10. Use Portion Control
It’s not enough to adjust what you eat. If you want to lower your blood sugar, consider how much you eat, too. Portion control might help you maintain a moderate weight.
Managing your weight could promote healthy blood sugar levels. It could reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, too.
As you learn how to manage your portion sizes, try:
Using smaller plates
Reading food labels for serving sizes
Keeping a food journal
Eating slowly
Measuring and weighing your portions
Otherwise, try to avoid “all you can eat” restaurants.
11. Sip Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar could promote lower fasting blood sugar levels. It might improve your insulin sensitivity, too.
Try mixing a little apple cider vinegar with water or using it as a salad dressing.
12. Try Cinnamon Extract
Cinnamon could improve your insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels by up to 29%. It could slow the breakdown of carbs in your digestive tract, too. This process might moderate the rise of blood sugar after a meal.
13. Manage Your Weight
Above all else, make sure to maintain a moderate weight. Maintaining a healthy weight could benefit your overall health. It might prevent future health problems from developing, too.
Weight management can also help promote healthy blood sugar levels.
In fact, a 7% reduction in body weight could decrease your risk of developing diabetes by 58%.
Watch It Drop: 13 Ways to Naturally Lower Your Blood Sugar
Your blood sugar levels don’t have to control your future. Instead, use these 13 tips to naturally lower your blood sugar. With these tips, you can stay happy and healthy without worry.
Make sure to speak with your doctor before making any major changes. They can help you develop a treatment plan with your needs in mind.
Searching for other ways to regulate your blood sugar? Learn more here.
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