Blood Sugar

Blood sugar regulation is indeed crucial for overall health. The body tightly regulates blood glucose levels, and even small deviations can have significant effects.

The comparison to body temperature is apt, as both glucose and temperature regulation involve complex physiological mechanisms to maintain homeostasis.

When blood sugar regulation is impaired, it can lead to various health issues, including:

• Insulin resistance and diabetes

• Inflammation

• Cardiovascular disease

• Cognitive decline

Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is essential for preventing and managing chronic diseases. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, and a healthy lifestyle can help support blood sugar regulation.

The "1 teaspoon of sugar in 5 liters of blood" analogy effectively illustrates the delicate balance of blood glucose levels.

• A1C test: Measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months.
  • Normal: Less than 5.7%.
  • Prediabetes: 5.7%–6.4%.
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or higher.
• Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast of at least 8 hours.
  • Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL.
  • Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL.
  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher.
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and 2 hours after drinking a sugary liquid. An overnight fast is required.
  • Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL at 2 hours.
  • Prediabetes: 140–199 mg/dL at 2 hours.
  • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher at 2 hours.
• Random plasma glucose (RPG) test: Checks blood sugar at any time, without fasting. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher, especially with diabetes symptoms, suggests diabetes.
• Tests for type 1 diabetes: If type 1 diabetes is suspected, blood and urine tests may be done to check for autoantibodies (immune system cells that mistakenly attack the body) and ketones (a sign the body is breaking down fat for energy). 

• Healthy eating: Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. A registered dietitian can help create a personalized meal plan, which may include carbohydrate counting. Two simple meal-planning methods are:
  • The plate method: Fill half your plate with nonstarchy vegetables, one-quarter with lean protein, and one-quarter with healthy carbohydrates.
  • Carbohydrate counting: Tracking your carb intake to align with medication, as carbohydrates have the biggest impact on blood sugar.
• Regular physical activity: Exercise helps lower blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.
• Weight management: For overweight individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, even modest weight loss can significantly improve blood sugar control.
• Stress reduction: Stress hormones can increase blood sugar levels. Relaxation techniques, exercise, and adequate sleep can help manage stress.
• Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys flush out excess sugar through urine. 

• Blood sugar monitoring: Regularly checking your blood sugar is crucial. How often you need to test depends on your treatment plan and may involve a standard blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
• Medication:
  • Type 1 diabetes: Requires lifelong insulin therapy, administered via injection or an insulin pump, as the pancreas produces little to no insulin.
  • Type 2 diabetes: Often begins with lifestyle changes, but may require oral medications like metformin to lower blood glucose. Other medications that increase insulin production or make tissues more sensitive to insulin may also be used. Some people with type 2 diabetes also need insulin therapy.
  • Gestational diabetes: Management usually starts with diet and exercise, but insulin or other medications may be necessary to control blood sugar and protect the health of both the mother and baby. 

• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia):
  • Increased thirst and frequent urination.
  • Headache and blurred vision.
  • Weakness or fatigue.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia):
  • Shakiness, sweating, and weakness.
  • Dizziness and confusion.
  • Irregular or fast heartbeat.
  • Blurred vision.
  • In severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.