Wholistic Jen

By Jennifer Whitmire, MHSc, MEd, MH, CHES

There’s this one thing that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves: our blood sugar levels. It’s so easy to overlook how crucial it is to keep them in balance, but trust me, it’s a fundamental part of staying healthy. It got me thinking, knowing your blood sugar numbers isn’t just important – it might be life-saving. Let’s dive into this together.

I Don’t Understand, Why Is This Such A Big Deal?  

First off, balanced blood sugar isn’t just about avoiding diabetes; it’s about safeguarding your overall well-being. When your blood sugar levels are stable, your body functions at its best. You feel more energetic, your mood tends to be more stable, and you’re less likely to experience those energy crashes that can leave you feeling drained and irritable.

We’re Playing Goldilocks

Now, let’s talk about what happens when blood sugar goes haywire. High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, can have some pretty serious consequences. It can lead to immediate symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. But that’s not the worst part. Over time, consistently high blood sugar can damage your blood vessels, nerves, and organs, increasing the risk of heart disease, kidney problems, and even eye damage that could lead to blindness. So, it’s not something to take lightly.

But it’s not just the high blood sugar we need to watch out for; low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can also be problematic. It can cause symptoms like shakiness, sweating, irritability, and confusion. Severe hypoglycemia can even lead to loss of consciousness or seizures. So, it’s a fine balance we’re aiming for, not too high, not too low.

Next, consider this: blood sugar spikes can have immediate effects on your mood and energy levels. Ever felt that sudden rush of energy followed by a crash after indulging in a sugary snack? That’s a blood sugar rollercoaster. These spikes can make it challenging to stay focused and productive and can even affect your emotional well-being.

So, the big deal about blood sugar is that it’s not just a number on a medical report. It’s a critical factor in how you feel and function every day. And that’s why understanding your blood sugar numbers is so important. 

Are There Physical Symptoms Of Blood Sugar Imbalance?

There are indeed some telltale signs your body might give you if your blood sugar is out of whack. These signs can be your body’s way of waving a flag, saying, “Hey, something’s up!” 

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)

• Thirst! You might get incredibly thirsty, like you’ve been wandering through the desert for days and suddenly spot an oasis.

• Bathroom Breaks High blood sugar can make you hit the restroom more frequently than usual. It’s like your bladder is on a mission.

• Energy Drain You may feel like someone has pulled the plug on your energy. Sluggishness becomes your middle name.

• Blurry World Things might get a bit blurry around the edges. Your eyesight might decide to go on a mini-vacation.

• Desert Mouth Your mouth might turn into something akin to the Sahara – dry as a bone.

• Headaches High blood sugar could even give you a surprise headache.

• Weight Changes If you’re dropping pounds without trying, it might be high blood sugar giving you a nudge.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

• Shaky You might feel as shaky as a leaf on a windy day, especially in your hands.

• Sweat Factory Hypoglycemia can turn you into a bit of a sweat machine, even if it’s not hot outside.

• Irritable Suddenly, everything might get on your nerves.

• Brain Fog City Your brain might feel like it’s playing hide and seek, making it hard to concentrate.

• Racing Heart  Your heart might pick up the pace.

• Ravenous  You might become ravenously hungry, like you could devour a whole pizza by yourself.

• Queasy Some people feel nauseous or may even pay a visit to the porcelain throne.

• Weak Moments Your body might decide to take a timeout, leaving you feeling weak and wobbly.

• Tingling Sensations Sometimes, there’s this odd tingling or even stinging feeling.

• Faint Warnings In the worst cases, untreated low blood sugar can even lead to fainting or passing out.

These symptoms can vary in intensity, and not everyone experiences all of them. But if you notice any of these signs showing up often, it’s important to find out more about YOU and your blood sugar numbers. Get a full panel,Hemoglobin A1C, Fasting Glucose, and Fasting Insulin at a minimum, so you figure out what’s going on and how to keep that blood sugar in check. Your health is worth it! 

Tell Me About the Dangers of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is indeed a significant concern that shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s like a hidden troublemaker that can wreak havoc on all of your body systems. 

Firstly, there’s the matter of cardiovascular complications. High blood sugar doesn’t discriminate and can damage your blood vessels, significantly increasing your risk of heart disease. It’s essentially an express ticket to heart problems that you don’t want.

Then, there’s the impact on your vision. High blood sugar can lead to a condition called diabetic retinopathy, where it harms the blood vessels in your eyes. This can result in vision problems and, in severe cases, even blindness.

Your kidneys are another area of concern. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can inflict damage on these vital organs, potentially leading to kidney disease or, worst-case scenario, kidney failure.

Nerve damage, often referred to as neuropathy, is another common side effect. This can bring about uncomfortable sensations like tingling, pain, or numbness, especially in your extremities. Imagine your feet feeling constantly like they’re on pins and needles.

Wounds and injuries might also start taking their sweet time to heal. High blood sugar has a knack for slowing down your body’s natural healing processes.

Your immune system could also be compromised, making you more susceptible to infections, particularly in the urinary tract or skin.

When it comes to your skin, you might notice issues like dryness or itching becoming more common.

Mood swings can also be on the menu. High blood sugar can influence your emotional state, leading to irritability or mood swings.

Some individuals with high blood sugar face challenges with maintaining a healthy weight.

Last but not least, there’s evidence linking high blood sugar to cognitive decline and an increased risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

It’s important to remember that not everyone with high blood sugar will experience all of these issues. The key to managing these risks lies in control. 

You have the tools to keep your blood sugar in check!

By actively managing your blood sugar through dietary choices, lifestyle adjustments, stress management, appropriate exercise and movement, rest and sleep, and sometimes medication, you can significantly reduce these potential dangers. This proactive approach is like taking the reins of your health and not allowing high blood sugar to dictate the course. 

Why Are Blood Sugar Spikes and Crashes a Concern?

Blood sugar spikes and crashes can be quite concerning. Picture it like a rollercoaster ride for your body, with sharp highs and steep drops. When your blood sugar spikes, usually after a meal high in refined carbohydrates or sugar, it’s like a sudden surge of energy. Your body reacts by releasing a flood of insulin to help your cells absorb the excess sugar. But this rollercoaster ride isn’t fun for long. It’s followed by a crash, where your blood sugar plummets. This crash can leave you feeling tired, irritable, shaky, and ravenously hungry. It’s a bit like running out of fuel in the middle of a journey.

Now, why is this a concern? 

Well, aside from the immediate discomfort and mood swings, these fluctuations can have serious health implications. Prolonged or frequent blood sugar spikes can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where your cells become less responsive to insulin’s efforts, eventually increasing your risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, these spikes and crashes can also contribute to weight gain, making it even harder to maintain a healthy weight.

In the long term, repeated episodes of blood sugar turbulence can damage your blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and even nerve damage. Plus, they can leave you feeling exhausted and mentally drained, affecting your overall quality of life. So, managing these spikes and crashes isn’t just about feeling better day-to-day; it’s about safeguarding your future health. 

The good news is that you can learn to stabilize your blood sugar through dietary choices, mindful eating habits, regular physical activity, and stress management. 

Are There Blood Tests to Tell Me More About My Blood Sugar?

There are blood tests that can provide a deeper understanding of your blood sugar levels beyond just a basic measurement. These tests are valuable tools in assessing your overall blood sugar health.

Fasting Glucose is the most common blood sugar test. You’ll fast for at least 8 hours, usually overnight, before having your blood drawn. This measures your blood sugar levels after an extended period without food. Normal, not optimal,  fasting blood glucose levels typically fall between 70 and 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Higher levels may suggest prediabetes or diabetes.

Fasting Insulin measures the amount of insulin in your bloodstream after an overnight fast. It can help determine your body’s insulin sensitivity. High fasting insulin levels may indicate insulin resistance, a condition often associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) provides a longer-term view of your blood sugar control. It measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. The results are presented as a percentage, with higher values indicating poorer blood sugar control. An HbA1c level of 5.2% or higher may suggest prediabetes or diabetes. (This is much lower than the normal range for prediabetes, because permanent damage can occur BEFORE 5.7).

These tests together can paint a comprehensive picture of your blood sugar health. They help identify issues like prediabetes, where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. Regular monitoring of these tests, along with lifestyle modifications, can be instrumental in managing and improving your blood sugar levels. 

How is Stress Related to Blood Sugar Imbalance?

Stress is an often-underestimated factor in blood sugar management. 

Stress and blood sugar imbalance share a complex relationship that goes beyond mere coincidence. When we’re stressed, our bodies enter a state of heightened alertness, known as the “fight or flight” response. This triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones, in turn, stimulate the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream for quick energy, preparing us for physical exertion.

In the short term, this surge in blood sugar can be helpful for a swift response to a perceived threat. However, when stress becomes chronic, as is often the case in our modern lives, it can lead to persistent high blood sugar levels. Over time, this chronic stress-induced elevation in blood sugar can contribute to insulin resistance, a condition where our cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar.

Furthermore, stress can trigger emotional eating or cravings for sugary, high-calorie foods, which can disrupt blood sugar control. Many people turn to comfort foods during stressful periods, which can lead to weight gain and further exacerbate the risk of blood sugar imbalance.

Conversely, high blood sugar levels can also contribute to stress by affecting mood and energy levels. This creates a vicious cycle where stress and blood sugar issues reinforce each other.

To break this cycle, it’s essential to manage stress effectively through relaxation techniques, exercise, mindfulness, and a supportive lifestyle. By reducing chronic stress, you can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

How Does Sleep Affect Blood Sugar Balance?

Quality sleep is a pillar of good health, and it plays a substantial role in blood sugar regulation. The relationship between sleep and blood sugar balance is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of our overall health. Disruptions in sleep patterns can have profound effects on our metabolic well-being.

During a full night’s sleep, our bodies go through various sleep cycles, including deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These cycles are essential for physical and mental rejuvenation, and they also influence hormonal balance, including the regulation of blood sugar.

One key player in this process is insulin, the hormone responsible for moving glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into our cells, where it’s used for energy. When we sleep, our bodies become more sensitive to insulin, allowing it to work more efficiently in lowering blood sugar levels. This nighttime dip in blood sugar is a natural and healthy phenomenon.

Conversely, insufficient or poor-quality sleep can disrupt this delicate balance. Sleep deprivation or irregular sleep patterns can lead to insulin resistance, where cells become less responsive to insulin’s signals. This insulin resistance can result in elevated blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Additionally, lack of sleep can trigger hormonal changes that promote hunger and cravings for high-calorie, sugary foods, further compounding blood sugar issues.

Prioritizing healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques, can significantly contribute to better blood sugar control and overall metabolic health.

What Organs are Affected By Blood Sugar?

The organs most directly affected by blood sugar are the pancreas, liver, muscles, and fat tissue. 

The pancreas, a vital organ in the endocrine system, plays a central role in blood sugar regulation. It produces insulin, a hormone that acts as a key to unlock cells, allowing them to absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy. When blood sugar levels rise after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin to facilitate this process and maintain stable glucose levels. 

The liver functions as a glucose reservoir. It stores excess glucose as glycogen and releases it into the bloodstream when needed, such as between meals or during physical activity or during flight or fight responses. This ensures a steady supply of glucose to meet the body’s energy demands. 

Muscles, particularly during exercise, are highly responsive to insulin, absorbing glucose to provide energy for movement. Additionally, fat tissue, while not an organ in itself, stores surplus glucose in the form of fat. 

These organs and tissues collectively contribute to blood sugar regulation. Any disruptions in this delicate balance can strain these vital components, potentially leading to metabolic issues and health problems. Hence, maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is essential to support the harmonious functioning of these organs and overall well-being.

Want help with your blood sugar numbers?

Did you know that in most cases you CAN reverse insulin resistance and even diabetes if it hasn’t been a long standing condition?

Find out more at Unveiling the Sweet truth Workshop, Saturday, September 30!  Click here for more information.