Dr. Jason Fung: Fasting As A Therapeutic Option For Weight Loss [4e8a56]

Post Time: 2025-07-29

Blood sugar levels are a critical aspect of overall health, especially for individuals managing diabetes. When blood sugar drops to 40 mg/dL (blood sugar 40) or lower, it's considered a dangerously low level, also known as severe hypoglycemia. This condition demands immediate attention to prevent serious health consequences. Let's delve into what blood sugar 40 means, its dangers, and how blood sugar supplements, including innovative options like diabetes gummies, and prescribed diabetes drugs play a role in maintaining healthy glucose levels.

Understanding Blood Sugar 40: A Red Alert for Your Health

A blood sugar level of 40 is not just a minor dip; it's a critical medical situation. Normal blood sugar levels typically range between 70 mg/dL and 140 mg/dL, depending on when you last ate. Falling below 70 mg/dL is considered hypoglycemia, and when blood sugar plummets to 40, it indicates a severe lack of glucose in the bloodstream. Glucose is the brain's primary energy source, and a significant drop can impair brain function rapidly.

Why is Blood Sugar 40 So Dangerous?

When your blood sugar is at 40, your body and brain are starved of essential fuel. This can lead to a cascade of symptoms and potentially life-threatening situations:

• Neurological Dysfunction: The brain relies heavily on glucose. At blood sugar 40, neurological symptoms can be severe and manifest as:
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness or coma
• Physical Weakness: Muscles need glucose for energy. Low blood sugar can cause:
  • Extreme weakness and fatigue
  • Shakiness and tremors
  • Sweating and chills
  • Heart palpitations
• Immediate Risks: Untreated blood sugar 40 can quickly escalate to:
  • Severe seizures
  • Unconsciousness
  • Brain damage
  • In rare cases, death

It’s crucial to recognize the urgency of blood sugar 40 and act swiftly to raise glucose levels.

Blood Sugar Supplements: Supporting Healthy Glucose Metabolism

While blood sugar supplements are not intended to treat severe hypoglycemia like blood sugar 40 directly (which requires immediate glucose intake), they can play a valuable role in supporting overall healthy blood sugar management. These supplements often contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts that are believed to enhance insulin sensitivity, improve glucose metabolism, and support pancreatic function over time.

Key Ingredients in Effective Blood Sugar Supplements:

Many blood sugar supplements incorporate ingredients backed by scientific research for their potential benefits in glucose control. Some prominent examples include:

Ingredient	Potential Benefits	Scientific Backing
Chromium	Enhances insulin sensitivity, improves glucose uptake by cells, and may reduce insulin resistance.	Studies suggest chromium picolinate can improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon	May improve insulin sensitivity and lower post-meal blood sugar spikes.	Some research indicates cinnamon can help lower fasting blood glucose and improve HbA1c levels in individuals with diabetes.
Berberine	Activates AMPK, an enzyme that regulates energy production and glucose uptake, potentially lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.	Multiple studies have demonstrated berberine's effectiveness in lowering blood glucose, sometimes comparable to common diabetes drugs like metformin, though more research is needed.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)	Acts as an antioxidant and may improve insulin sensitivity and nerve function in diabetic neuropathy.	ALA has shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing symptoms of diabetic neuropathy in some studies.
Bitter Melon	Contains compounds that may mimic insulin's effects and enhance glucose utilization.	Traditional medicine uses bitter melon for diabetes. Some studies suggest it can help lower blood glucose, but more robust research is necessary.
Gymnema Sylvestre	May reduce sugar cravings and improve insulin secretion, potentially contributing to lower blood sugar levels.	Gymnema has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes. Some studies suggest it can help improve blood sugar control and insulin release, although more extensive research is warranted.
Vitamin D	Plays a role in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.	Research indicates vitamin D supplementation may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly in individuals who are deficient.

Important Note: Blood sugar supplements are not a substitute for medical treatment, especially in emergency situations like blood sugar 40. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have diabetes or are taking other medications. Supplements should be viewed as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan that includes diet, exercise, and prescribed medications if needed.

Deliciously Managing Blood Sugar: The Rise of Diabetes Gummies

For those looking for a more palatable and enjoyable way to incorporate blood sugar supplements into their daily routine, diabetes gummies are emerging as a popular option. These gummies are formulated to provide the same beneficial ingredients as traditional supplements but in a convenient and tasty format.

Why Choose Diabetes Gummies?

• Improved Adherence: Let's face it, taking pills can become tedious. Diabetes gummies offer a more enjoyable experience, making it easier to stick to your supplement regimen consistently. This is crucial for long-term blood sugar support.
• Delicious Flavors and Textures: Unlike often-bitter or chalky pills, diabetes gummies come in a variety of delicious fruit flavors and pleasant textures, making them feel more like a treat than medication.
• Easy to Consume: Gummies are incredibly easy to take – no water needed! This is particularly convenient for people on the go or those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
• Pre-Portioned Dosage: Gummies are pre-dosed, eliminating the need to measure out liquids or count pills, simplifying dosage management.

What to Look for in Diabetes Gummies:

When choosing diabetes gummies, prioritize quality and effectiveness. Consider these factors:

• Key Ingredients: Ensure the gummies contain scientifically-backed ingredients known for their blood sugar support benefits, such as those listed in the table above (Chromium, Cinnamon, Berberine, etc.).
• Sugar Content: Opt for diabetes gummies that are low in sugar or sugar-free to avoid counteracting their intended blood sugar-balancing effects. Look for sweeteners that have minimal impact on blood glucose, like stevia or erythritol.
• Third-Party Testing: Choose brands that conduct third-party testing to verify the purity and potency of their ingredients. This ensures you are getting a high-quality and safe product.
• Reputable Brand: Select diabetes gummies from reputable brands with positive customer reviews and transparent manufacturing practices.

Our Diabetes Gummies: A Tasty Path to Balanced Blood Sugar

We understand the challenges of managing blood sugar levels, and that's why we've developed delicious and effective diabetes gummies. Our gummies are carefully formulated with key ingredients like Chromium, Cinnamon, and Vitamin D to support healthy glucose metabolism. They are low in sugar, taste fantastic, and make taking your daily blood sugar supplement a joy, not a chore.

(Link to product page here)

Diabetes Drugs: Essential for Medical Management

While blood sugar supplements and diabetes gummies can be valuable additions to a comprehensive health plan, diabetes drugs are often medically necessary for individuals diagnosed with diabetes, especially type 1 and type 2 diabetes, to manage their condition effectively.

Diabetes drugs work in various ways to lower blood sugar levels:

• Insulin: For type 1 diabetes and some cases of type 2 diabetes, insulin injections or pumps are essential to replace the insulin the body doesn't produce.
• Metformin: A common first-line medication for type 2 diabetes that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production by the liver.
• Sulfonylureas: Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin.
• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Enhance insulin release, slow digestion, and reduce appetite.
• SGLT2 Inhibitors: Increase glucose excretion through the urine.
• DPP-4 Inhibitors: Prolong the action of incretin hormones, which stimulate insulin release and reduce glucose production.

It's crucial to emphasize that blood sugar supplements, including diabetes gummies, are NOT replacements for prescribed diabetes drugs. Diabetes drugs are essential for managing the underlying disease and preventing long-term complications. Supplements should be considered as adjunctive support, working alongside prescribed medications, diet, and lifestyle modifications.

Managing Blood Sugar 40: Immediate Action is Key

If you or someone you know experiences blood sugar 40 or symptoms of severe hypoglycemia:

1. Check Blood Sugar Immediately: Use a blood glucose meter to confirm the low reading.
2. Administer Fast-Acting Glucose:
   • 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates: This could be glucose tablets, glucose gel, fruit juice, regular soda (non-diet), or honey.
   • Avoid fats and proteins: These slow down glucose absorption.
3. Re-Check Blood Sugar in 15 Minutes: If blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat step 2.
4. Once Blood Sugar is Above 70 mg/dL: Eat a longer-acting source of carbohydrates and protein, such as a sandwich or crackers with cheese, to prevent another blood sugar drop.
5. Seek Medical Attention if:
   • Symptoms are severe (seizures, loss of consciousness).
   • Blood sugar does not rise after multiple attempts to treat it.
   • The person is unable to swallow or is confused.

For individuals prone to hypoglycemia, it’s essential to:

• Work with your healthcare provider to understand and manage your condition.
• Carry fast-acting glucose with you at all times.
• Wear a medical ID indicating you have diabetes.
• Educate family and friends on how to recognize and treat hypoglycemia.

Take Control of Your Blood Sugar, Deliciously

Managing blood sugar is a lifelong journey, and understanding the risks of dangerously low levels like blood sugar 40 is paramount. While blood sugar supplements and diabetes gummies offer convenient and palatable ways to support healthy glucose metabolism, they are not substitutes for medical care or immediate treatment for severe hypoglycemia. Diabetes drugs remain essential for many in managing diabetes effectively.

By combining a healthy lifestyle, prescribed medications when necessary, and considering supportive blood sugar supplements like our delicious diabetes gummies, you can take proactive steps towards maintaining balanced blood sugar levels and overall well-being.

Ready to experience the delicious way to support your blood sugar? Try our Diabetes Gummies today!

(Link to product page and special offers)

Dr. Jason Fung, MD, is a nephrologist and expert in the use of intermittent fasting and low-carbohydrate diets for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. In this presentation, delivered on Aug. 2, 2018, at the 2018 CrossFit Health Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, Fung shares his first-hand experiences with “The Mess” and discusses how he shifted his research and medical practices as a result of those experiences. Fung’s objectives for his presentation include: 1. Understanding why long-term weight loss is so difficult. 2. Introducing the concept of therapeutic fasting. 3. Understanding some myths and misunderstandings associated with the fasting process. He recalls treating obese and diabetic patients with traditional methods, which included what he characterizes as poor dietary recommendations and a slurry of drugs. He explains, “It became obvious that I’m just sort of holding their hand until they get their heart attack, until they get dialysis, until they go blind, until we chop their feet off.” “It’s really sad to realize that the profession that you’ve chosen is not really helping 113 blood sugar to a1c people,” he says. This realization compelled him to diagnose the problems associated with traditional care and seek alternative treatment methods for his patients. Fung historicizes what he calls “the modern eating pattern,” which emerged in 1977 in the U.S. with the development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. He notes the 1977 guidelines led to the consumption of more grains and sugars, which in turn led to people “eating often, eating late, and eating all the time.” Incidences of obesity and Type 2 diabetes reached epidemic levels, and the most common treatments long have been drug interventions. Unfortunately, nondiabetic blood sugar levels the prevailing non-pharmaceutical prescription — to eat less and move more — has a 99.9% failure rate. Fung observes that popular wisdom tells us to blame the patient and assume he or she did not adhere to the prescription. He claims a basic understanding of metabolism suggests otherwise, however. Fung explains why a significant reduction in caloric intake leads to a decrease in basal metabolism. This biological inevitability is ignored by the proponents of the “calories in, calories out” fallacy, he observes. He also explains why intermittent fasting is an effective alternative to traditional treatments for obesity and diabetes. The modern eating pattern keeps our insulin levels high does exercise raise blood sugar all the time as we eat over long durations, and when insulin remains high all the time, Fung explains, our bodies store food energy as fat, and we remain hungry. Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, allows insulin levels to drop, which puts us in burning mode rather than storing mode. Fung claims his recommendations are so effective that patients no longer need to say, “Oh wow, I have to go see my doctor to see what pill I need,” or, “I need to go see my doctor to see if he needs to stick a stent in me.” Instead, Fung explains, “We’re giving you the power to take back your own health, because you’re not gonna get it from anywhere else.” — CrossFit is the world’s leading platform for improving health and performance. In the 20 years since its founding, CrossFit has grown from a garage gym in Santa Cruz, California, into the world’s most effective program for improving health and performance through nutrition and exercise. CrossFit is the world’s leading provider of accredited performance-based training courses and certifications and has more than 125,000 credentialed coaches across the world. The program can be modified to welcome people of all ages and abilities and millions of people have already experienced CrossFit’s transformational benefits in more than 13,000 affiliated gyms across 158 countries. CrossFit also directs the CrossFit Games season, beginning with the annual CrossFit Open, through which athletes at every level compete worldwide, and culminating in the CrossFit Games, where top athletes compete for the title of Fittest on Earth®. Learn more about CrossFit → Find a CrossFit gym near you → Find CrossFit Courses near you → View CrossFit workouts → Subscribe to CrossFit email newsletters → Learn more about the CrossFit Games → Dr. Jason Fung: Fasting As A Therapeutic Option For Weight Loss [4e8a56]