Blood sugar balance is very important for your overall health and well -being. Whether your blood sugar levels are too high or too low, your body will notify you and not always well.
The first step in your management is the understanding of how your blood sugar levels work and find out about healthy habits that can help you balance. To find out more, Parade He talked to an endocrinologist about how blood sugar works and what you can do to maintain a healthy level. That’s what they had to say.
Related: This is the worst habit of blood sugar levels, says an endocrinologist
How does blood sugar work and it grows after a meal?
Mary vouyuklis Kellis, MD, The Endocrinologist of the Cleveland Clinic explains that the body uses glucose (or blood sugar) for energy. “Glucose is taken from the bloodstream and enters the cells of the body and is used to produce energy,” she says.
Glucose is considered to be skeletal muscle and liver cells in the form of glycogen and can be transported to different body tissues through the blood. “Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas, which helps to bring glucose from the bloodstream to the cells of the body.”
The most common blood sugar levels rise after a meal. “This is especially true for carbohydrate dishes,” explains dr. Kelly. However, it can also be due to stress and sometimes for exercise.
Although it is normal for your blood sugar to rise and fall throughout the day, when your overall balance is reached, your body works as it should.
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What happens when your blood sugar is too high?
Unfortunately, some people are unable to maintain a total balance of blood sugar. High levels of glucose in the blood are known as hyperglycaemia, explains dr. Kelly.
“When your blood glucose levels are high, your pancreas secretes hormone insulin, which helps glucose to enter the blood that the body’s cells take,” she says. When blood glucose levels remain high, despite the pancreas that release insulin, it can cause diabetes.
“In type 2 diabetes, there is insulin resistance when the body is unable to respond effectively to increased insulin levels, so blood glucose remains high,” she continues. Type 1 diabetes is no longer enough insulin, and the blood remains high in the blood.
Related: Endocrinologists say adding blood sugar balance to your meals is the most important
What happens when your blood sugar is too low?
Low blood glucose levels are known as hypoglycaemia. “This is usually when your blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl,” says Dr. Kelly. When the blood glucose is reduced, your pancreas secretes the hormone glucagon, which converts a glycogen (considered glucose) into glucose, which is excreted in the bloodstream.
What are the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar?
Symptoms of low blood sugar can be gloomy, sweaty, nervous, rapid heartbeat, confusion, nausea, hunger and blurred vision. “Long -term untreated low blood glucose levels can even increase the risk of seizures,” she reveals.
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What is the best habit of blood sugar?
While maintaining a balanced blood sugar level depends on a variety of factors, the best habit for blood sugar is healthy, balanced nutrition, says Kell. “Increase fiber consumption, eat whole grains, avoid refined cereals, pores protein and healthy fat with complex carbohydrates, reduce refined sugar, limit alcohol consumption and be hydrated,” she explains.
“Refined sugar can cause glucose spikes,” she says. This means that you should avoid desserts, white bread, white flour and white rice, as well as sweet drinks, including coffee with syrups or sugar. Although occasionally it is good to consume it if you are trying to balance your blood sugar, it is best to prevent them.
Another healthy habit, suggests Doctor Kliel? To keep stress to a minimum. “Try meditation to help you fight stress, as high stress states can increase blood glucose levels,” she says. And don’t forget to sleep a lot as poor sleep can also affect blood glucose levels.
Related: 13 foods that help with diabetes, from raspberry and blueberry to tuna and Brussels cabbage
When to see a doctor about blood sugar
It is very important for your health to maintain your blood sugar. If you notice any high/low blood sugar signs or symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor right away. They can help you adjust your medication and recommend a treatment plan for your health needs.
Next:
Related: Silent symptom of high blood sugar you should never ignore, endocrinologists say
Sources
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Cleveland Clinic. “Blood sugar monitoring”.
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Mary Vouyuklis Kellis, MD, Endocrinologist of Cleveland Clinic.
Initially, this story was reported by Parade in 2025. October 2, where she first appeared in the Health & Wellness section. Add the parade as the desired source by clicking here.