Blood Sugar Control: The Foundation of Long-Term Health
Who doesn’t love a little sweet treat? I know I sure do, and so do many of my clients! But, alas, it often comes at a cost. Blood sugar imbalances, whether high (hyperglycemia) or low (hypoglycemia), can impact not only your day-to-day energy levels but also serve as the root cause of many chronic conditions.
What Do Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia Look Like?
Blood sugar imbalances are often overlooked, but they can have significant effects on your physical and mental health. Let's break down how hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia manifest in symptoms.
Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)
Hyperglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels remain too high for an extended period, often due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production, and is a marker of poor metabolic health. It can manifest in various symptoms, such as:
Increased thirst and frequent urination: The kidneys work harder to remove excess sugar from the bloodstream, leading to dehydration and frequent bathroom trips.
Fatigue: Despite high blood sugar levels, your cells can't effectively use glucose for energy, leaving you feeling tired.
Blurred vision: High blood sugar can affect the lenses in your eyes, leading to blurred vision.
Slow healing of wounds: Hyperglycemia reduces circulation, slowing down the body’s healing process.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia happens when blood sugar levels drop too low, typically due to skipping meals, consuming too much sugar without protein or fiber, or certain medications. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness: Low blood sugar deprives your brain of energy, making you feel faint or disoriented.
Shakiness and sweating: As your body tries to restore balance, it releases adrenaline, which can lead to shaking and sweating.
Irritability or anxiety: Your brain becomes highly sensitive to drops in glucose, affecting your mood and causing feelings of anxiety or irritability.
Weakness or fatigue: Without sufficient glucose for energy, you may feel exhausted or weak.
Headaches and confusion: Your brain relies on glucose for cognitive function, and low levels can cause headaches, confusion, or even memory issues.
Blood Sugar: Hidden Root Cause of Many Chronic Diseases
Blood sugar imbalances are not just about occasional highs and lows; they can be the hidden driver of chronic diseases. Poor blood sugar control is linked to a range of conditions, including:
Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most well-known consequence of uncontrolled blood sugar. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to diabetes.
Heart Disease: Elevated blood sugar levels contribute to inflammation and damage to blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Weight Gain and Obesity: Constant spikes in blood sugar cause your body to store excess glucose as fat. Over time, this leads to weight gain, especially around the abdomen, which is a key risk factor for metabolic diseases.
Hormonal Imbalances: Insulin resistance can disrupt other hormones, including cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, and irregular periods.
Chronic Inflammation: Blood sugar fluctuations promote chronic inflammation in the body, which is linked to conditions such as arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer.
Tips for Balancing Blood Sugar—Especially During the Holidays
The good news is that with a few mindful practices, you can still enjoy occasional treats without disrupting your blood sugar balance.
1. Prioritize Whole Foods: Whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats help keep blood sugar levels steady by providing slow-releasing energy. Focus on fiber-rich foods like fruits and legumes, which slow down glucose absorption.
2. Pair Treats with Protein: If you do indulge try to pair it with a source of protein or healthy fat—like nuts or seeds—to slow the sugar's absorption into your bloodstream and prevent sharp spikes.
3. Stay Active: Physical activity can help your cells use glucose more efficiently. A walk after a meal or a quick workout can improve insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps your body flush out excess sugar and maintain balanced hydration levels.
5. Manage Stress: Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which in turn can raise blood sugar. Practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress and keep your blood sugar in check.
6. Keep a Regular Eating Schedule: Skipping meals can lead to sharp drops in blood sugar, followed by overeating later in the day. Stick to regular, balanced meals to prevent these swings.
Support From Our Clinic
I believe in addressing blood sugar imbalances holistically. Whether you’re struggling with hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, or the early signs of insulin resistance, we offer comprehensive support to help you regain control.
Nutritional Counseling: We provide personalized nutrition plans designed to stabilize blood sugar and promote overall wellness.
Hormone Optimization: For those affected by insulin resistance or hormone imbalances related to blood sugar, we offer hormone testing and therapy to bring your body back into balance.
Lifestyle Coaching: Our team works with you to develop sustainable lifestyle changes that can improve both your blood sugar and long-term health.
Functional Testing: Comprehensive lab work can give us insights into your current blood sugar health and any underlying issues contributing to imbalances.
While lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise are essential, there are advanced medical tools that can significantly support blood sugar management and improve overall health.
GLP-1 Medications: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications that help regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release, reducing appetite, and slowing digestion. GLP-1 medications are often prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes but are increasingly being used as an adjunct for those managing insulin resistance and weight challenges. These medications help lower blood sugar levels and support sustainable weight loss, making them an effective tool for managing chronic conditions tied to blood sugar.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): CGMs are devices that track your blood sugar levels in real-time throughout the day and night. Unlike traditional finger-stick tests, CGMs provide a comprehensive picture of how your blood sugar fluctuates in response to meals, stress, exercise, and even sleep. This personalized data helps you make more informed decisions about your diet, activity levels, and medication management. With a CGM, we can catch your blood sugar highs and lows before they become symptomatic, allowing for tighter control and better overall health.
Herbal & Nutrient Therapy: The research of natural blood sugar managers like berberine, insitol, chromium, and cinnamon rivals the pharmaceuticals for great efficacy without the nasty side effects that medications like Metformin can bring. Utilizing these effective treatments can help us bring your metabolizm back to health as you adjust to diet and lifestyle changes. They can also be helpful if your genetics make you highly susceptible to blood sugar issues!
Mindful Enjoyment
Blood sugar control is foundational to your overall health and well-being. By taking steps to stabilize your blood sugar, you can prevent the onset of chronic conditions and feel more energized, focused, and healthy. If you're wondering if blood sugar management could be the best next step for you and want to learn more about how we can help you manage it, schedule a consultation with us today. We offer individualized, specific guidance for each of our patients to optimize their blood sugar and achieve improved longevity.
Meet Your Doctor
Hi, I’m Dr. Caitlin Fanning, ND (Naturopathic Doctor),
I help women who are struggling with hormone imbalances, fatigue, and infertility optimize their hormones and get their life back so they can feel like their best self.
If you're ready to take charge of your health and make real, lasting changes to your energy, your hormones, or your overall well-being, I would love to talk more!