Living With Type 2 Diabetes | Emma’s Year Vlog | Diabetes UK [42f64f]
Living With Type 2 Diabetes | Emma’s Year Vlog | Diabetes UK [42f64f]
Post Time: 2025-07-29
High blood sugar levels can have devastating effects on our bodies, leading to a host of health complications if left unmanaged. But what exactly is high blood sugar, and how do we determine when it's become a problem? In this article, we'll delve into the world of blood glucose management and explore the key factors that influence your blood sugar levels.
What Causes Fluctuations in Your Blood Sugar Range?
A variety of factors can contribute to fluctuations in your blood sugar range. One major culprit is insulin resistance – when our bodies become less responsive to insulin, it takes longer for glucose to be absorbed into cells, leading to high blood sugar. Poor diet and lack of physical activity are also significant contributors, as they lead to weight gain and decreased insulin sensitivity. Additionally, stress can disrupt cortisol levels in the body, causing a surge in blood sugar.
The Link Between Stress and Blood Sugar Range Fluctuations
Stress is one of the most common culprits behind high blood sugar fluctuations. When we experience chronic stress, our bodies release more cortisol into circulation. This increase causes insulin resistance, making it harder for glucose to enter cells, resulting in higher blood sugar levels. Cortisol also promotes fat storage around organs like the belly and liver, further exacerbating insulin sensitivity.
How Sleep Affects Your Blood Sugar Range
Sleep deprivation is another significant stressor that affects our blood sugar balance. When we don't get enough sleep or quality sleep, it disrupts cortisol production, leading to increased glucose release in the bloodstream. Moreover, research shows that consistently sleeping less than six hours per night can reduce insulin sensitivity by 10-15%, making us more prone to developing type 2 diabetes.
What Foods Can Help Stabilize Your Blood Sugar Range?
Foods rich in fiber and protein are essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Fiber, particularly soluble fiber found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, can slow down carbohydrate digestion and absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. Lean protein sources like poultry, fish, beans, lentils also promote satiety and help to maintain a balance between insulin sensitivity.
Is Your Blood Sugar Range Too High? How to Lower It Safely
If you suspect your blood sugar range is too high or are experiencing symptoms such as excessive thirst, fatigue, or blurred vision – seek medical attention immediately. When treating elevated blood glucose levels safely consider dietary interventions like choosing low-carb diets rich in fruits and vegetables along with engaging regular exercise sessions.
Blood Sugar Range and Heart Health: The Link
Maintaining a healthy blood sugar range can significantly reduce the risk of heart-related complications. Studies have shown that those who experience high fasting glucose (above 126 mg/dl) are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, as their body becomes more prone to increased triglycerides accumulation in adipose tissue which subsequently contribute towards increasing cholesterol levels.
Why Maintaining a Stable Blood Sugar Range Is Crucial
Maintaining stable blood sugar ranges is pivotal for overall well-being – not just managing type 2 diabetes but also reducing risk factors associated with various other health complications like cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Consistently keeping your blood glucose within normal limits helps prevent oxidative stress, improves nutrient delivery to cells throughout the body, supports healthy weight management, promotes quality sleep patterns ensuring balanced energy supply levels during rest periods etc., giving you that extra edge in managing daily challenges efficiently without any nagging health concerns looming over every moment of life.
Follow Emma for a year as she vlogs about living with Type 2 diabetes, juggling challenges with diet how to take blood sugar levels and activity, does amlodipine affect blood sugar levels while being a mum of twins. Search ‘My Diabetes Year’ in our Learning Zone www.diabetes.org.uk/LearningZone is 86 a good blood sugar