Blog, Newly Diagnosed

5 Things You Need to Know Now About Blood Sugar

Many people diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes have lots of questions about blood sugar and what raises it. Here are five things that you really need to know about blood sugar.

  • Your blood sugar level is important because it’s your body’s main source of energy. Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas produces which helps sugar move out of the bloodstream, and into the body’s cells where it’s used as energy. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body isn’t making enough insulin, and the insulin that it does produce doesn’t work as well as it should.
  • Not getting enough sleep on a regular basis is a form of chronic stress which leads to higher blood sugar levels.
  • Artificially-flavored foods or drinks like diet soda can take a negative toll on your blood sugar – studies have shown mice given artificial sweeteners had high blood sugar levels than mice who drank plain water, or even water with sugar.
  • High-fat meals can affect blood sugar to as high levels of fat in the blood harm the body’s ability to clear out sugar.
  • Smoking cigarettes raise blood sugar levels which increase the risk for serious diabetes complications, including stroke and heart attack.

Remember: Eating a varied diet that is loaded with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and healthy fat, is a great way to keep your blood sugar balanced.

-Be Well

 

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