Have You Developed Type 2 Diabetes? Would You Even Know? | ABC News [9e4347]
Post Time: 2025-07-29
When it comes to managing blood sugar levels, timing and consistency are crucial. One common concern is skipping meals or going too long without eating, which can lead to fluctuating mean fasting blood glucose (MFBG) readings.
Skipping Meals Can Lead to Unpredictable Blood Sugar Readings: Skipping meals can cause a significant spike in MFBG due to the body's natural response to hunger. When we skip meals, our bodies go into "starvation mode," causing it to break down stored glycogen for energy and increasing cortisol levels (which can elevate blood sugar). This can result in an increase in mean fasting blood glucose readings.
What Affects Mean Fasting Blood Glucose Levels
Several factors contribute to MFBG fluctuations. For instance, exercise timing: Engaging in physical activity too close to a meal or after skipping meals altogether can lead to lower than desired blood sugar levels due to the excess insulin released during exercise (excess glucose uptake by muscles). This affects mean fasting blood glucose readings significantly.
Dietary Patterns and Blood Sugar Range
The food we consume has an undeniable impact on our MFBG. Carbohydrates, in particular, have a profound effect on glycemic index: Foods with a higher glycemic index cause more significant spikes in insulin levels (raising mean fasting blood glucose readings). Examples of foods high on the glycemic index include white bread and sugary snacks.
Understanding Stress's Impact
Stress affects MFBG indirectly through its influence on cortisol production: chronically elevated cortisol leads to an increase in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels, which regulate blood sugar but can also lead to fluctuations. High GLP-1 levels are associated with higher mean fasting glucose readings due to their role in regulating insulin secretion.
Balancing Act for Healthy Living
Achieving and maintaining a stable MFBG reading requires awareness of one's diet, exercise routine, stress management techniques (such as mindfulness), sleep quality: Poor sleep has been linked to increased HbA1c levels by affecting the balance between insulin sensitivity and glucose production. Proper nutrition combined with regular physical activity can contribute significantly to healthier blood sugar readings.
Tips for Stabilizing Blood Sugar Readings
When aiming for more balanced mean fasting blood glucose levels, keep in mind that small lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference: Incorporate increased fiber intake: Foods high in soluble fiber (like vegetables and fruits) slow down gastric emptying time, reducing the peak insulin spike.
Studies overseas showing millions of missed diabetes diagnoses are what causes low blood sugar levels in non-diabetics being echoed in Australia, and could lead to yet more strain on the a1c high but blood sugar normal health system. Subscribe: diabetes blood sugar monitors Read more here: ABC News provides around the clock coverage of news events as they break in Australia and abroad, including the latest coronavirus pandemic updates. It's news when you want it, from Australia's most trusted news organisation. For more from ABC News, click here: Watch more ABC News content ad-free on iview: Go deeper on our ABC News In-depth channel: Like ABC News on Facebook: Follow ABC News on Instagram: Follow ABC News on Twitter: Note: In most cases, our captions are auto-generated. #ABCNews #ABCNewsAustralia