How Does Blood Sugar Impact My Health?

Blood sugar provides energy to cells through glucose, a simple sugar derived from the foods we eat. When you consume carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps move glucose from the blood into the cells to be used for energy or stored for later use.

When blood sugar levels are too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), it can disrupt this process, leading to a range of health problems:

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia): Over time, consistently high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): On the flip side, low blood sugar can cause symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and weakness. If severe, it can lead to loss of consciousness or seizures.

What Influences My Blood Sugar Levels?

Diet: The type and amount of food you consume have the most immediate impact on blood sugar. Carbohydrates, especially simple sugars, are quickly absorbed and can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Protein and fats, on the other hand, are digested more slowly and have a more gradual effect on blood sugar.

Exercise: Physical activity helps muscles use glucose for energy, which lowers blood sugar levels. Regular exercise can also increase insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to more effectively absorb glucose.

Hormones: Insulin is the primary hormone that regulates blood sugar, but other hormones, like glucagon and adrenaline, also play a role in balancing blood sugar levels, particularly during stress or periods of fasting.

Sleep and Stress: Poor sleep and chronic stress can cause fluctuations in blood sugar. Lack of sleep can increase insulin resistance, while stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can elevate blood sugar.

What Diseases Develop from High Blood Sugar?

Type 2 Diabetes

High blood sugar over time can lead to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells no longer respond effectively to insulin. This often progresses to type 2 diabetes, where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels.

Symptoms: Frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, and slow wound healing.

Heart Disease

High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy)

Excess glucose in the blood can damage the kidneys’ filtering system, eventually leading to kidney disease or failure.

Symptoms: Swelling in the legs and feet, frequent urination, and fatigue.

Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)

High blood sugar can damage the nerves, particularly in the extremities, leading to numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness.

Symptoms: Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, and digestive issues.

Eye Diseases (Diabetic Retinopathy)

High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems and potentially blindness.

Symptoms: Blurred vision, floaters, and vision loss.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Elevated blood sugar can lead to an accumulation of fat in the liver, which can result in inflammation, scarring, and potentially liver failure.

Symptoms: Fatigue, discomfort in the upper abdomen, and unexplained weight loss.

Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease

Studies have shown a link between chronically high blood sugar and an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s, sometimes referred to as “type 3 diabetes.”

Symptoms: Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty in reasoning or problem-solving.

Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

High blood sugar can increase the risk of gum infections and periodontal disease, which may lead to tooth loss.

Symptoms: Swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth.

Blood sugar plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. While it’s easy to overlook its importance until there’s a problem, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices is essential to preventing long-term complications. If you feel like you may have high blood sugar, reach out to your wellness advocate to conduct a quick blood test and assess your health.