How To Lower Blood Sugar Naturally
Knowing what causes high blood sugar is important to understand how to naturally lower it. Fortunately, both facts and solutions are offered here! Nowadays, many people understand the connection between eating healthy and reducing the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. However, fewer people understand how nutritious foods accomplish this. Well, one major mechanism of action involves blood sugar regulation. In this article, learn what causes high blood sugar and how to lower blood sugar naturally. What Is GlycoMode blood sugar support Sugar? As it sounds, blood sugar refers to the amount of glucose (sugar) circulating in the blood. Glucose enters the blood after ingesting food or when the liver breaks down glycogen, the stored form of glucose, to raise blood sugar. The hormone, insulin, then helps shuttle glucose into cells and organs for them to use as fuel. Hyperglycemia refers to elevated blood sugar levels while hypoglycemia indicates low blood sugar.
Standard GlycoMode blood sugar support sugar levels depend on how long it has been since last eating, and thus tend to be lowest after prolonged periods of fasting and highest after eating carbohydrate-rich meals. Generally speaking, fasting blood glucose levels under 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered healthy. Values under 140 mg/dL are normal if one has eaten within the past two hours. However, healthy blood glucose ranges will differ for people with diabetes. A long-term measurement of blood glucose is known as the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and is typically used to diagnose diabetes. HbA1c measures the amount of sugar attached to hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, over a three-month period. Basically, this value represents an average of how much blood glucose was remaining in the blood at any given time and is a great indicator of overall health.
What Causes High Blood Sugar? However, the two most common and important causes are high carbohydrate meals and insulin resistance. These are actually kind of one in the same as will be explained shortly. Although frequently misunderstood, glucose is a vital nutrient because it is the only form of fuel the brain and red blood cells can use for fuel. Glucose is the preferred source for all other organs as well. However, glucose cannot move from the blood into cells without insulin because this hormone unlocks parts of cells that allow sugar to enter. For reference, people with type 1 diabetes stop producing insulin due to an autoimmune reaction. On the other hand, people with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin and/or their cells are desensitized to the hormone. Without proper insulin use, glucose cannot enter the cell so it remains in the blood. Thus, carbohydrates are not evil as often depicted, but quantity and quality are important. Over time, eating too much carbohydrate and consuming low-quality, refined, and/or processed and packaged carb sources can contribute to chronically elevated blood glucose levels.
In turn, this can lead to insulin resistance and resulting complications like diabetes, ketoacidosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problems, neuropathy, blindness, and more. Refined/processed/packaged carbs: Chips, crackers, cookies, candy, donuts, pastries, muffins, cereals and white "wheat" products like bread and pasta. These carbs break down quickly and can cause blood sugar spikes followed by crashes. Sugary drinks: Soda, juice, juice concentrates, many coffee drinks, flavor syrups, creamers and sports drinks instantly raise blood sugar. This is mostly because they are already broken down into the simplest form of sugar and require no digestion. Alcohol: These beverages also instantly raise blood sugar, however, can actually cause low blood sugar hours after ingestion. Sugary condiments: Jellies, jams, and syrups are simple sugars that spike blood glucose levels quickly. Fruit: These delicious treats contain fructose, another type of simple sugar that raises blood glucose. However, fruits are considered highly GlycoMode healthy glucose support because of their fiber, antioxidant and polyphenol content. People without insulin resistance can certainly enjoy fruit a couple times a day if desired.
