Post Time: 2025-07-18
The role of high blood sugar symptoms in long-term health risks is a pressing concern for individuals worldwide. High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when the body's cells are not able to effectively use insulin, leading to elevated glucose levels in the bloodstream.
Unstable Blood Sugar Levels: A Ticking Time Bomb
Fluctuations in blood sugar can have severe consequences on overall health. When blood sugar spikes and drops repeatedly, it puts a significant strain on various bodily systems. This repeated stress can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and even damage to vital organs like the kidneys and nerves (Insulin Sensitivity: How insulin resistance affects blood sugar range). The American Diabetes Association suggests that maintaining stable blood glucose levels is crucial for preventing long-term complications associated with diabetes.
Diabetes Risk: A Growing Concern
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases exponentially when blood sugar levels are consistently high. According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately half a billion people worldwide have impaired glucose regulation, increasing their chances of developing diabetes and related complications (Diabetes Risk: How maintaining a healthy blood sugar range reduces diabetes risk). Furthermore, individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes experience chronic inflammation, which can damage cardiovascular health.
The Silent Killer: Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar levels have been linked to various serious health conditions. For instance, uncontrolled hyperglycemia increases the risk of heart disease by promoting atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in arteries) and high blood pressure. Additionally, individuals with consistently elevated glucose levels may experience vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy or nerve damage leading to peripheral neuropathy.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Causes and Consequences
A variety of factors contribute to unstable blood sugar levels. Dietary choices play a significant role, as consuming high amounts of refined carbohydrates can cause rapid spikes in glucose levels (Diet and Blood Sugar: Foods that help stabilize blood sugar and those to avoid). Moreover, lack of physical activity contributes significantly to insulin resistance. Studies have shown that regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity by up to 30% (Exercise and Blood Sugar: How physical activity impacts blood sugar levels).
Managing High Blood Sugar Levels Safely
Fortunately, there are effective ways to regulate high blood sugar levels safely. One approach is adopting a balanced diet rich in fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity by slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream (Role of Fiber: The impact of fiber on blood sugar control). Additionally, stress reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga can help minimize cortisol-induced insulin resistance.
Glycemic Index: Unlocking Blood Sugar Regulation
Understanding how glycemic index impacts blood sugar regulation is a powerful tool for managing high blood glucose levels. Glycemic load measures the actual effect of food on daily blood glucose variability (Is Your Blood Sugar Range Too High? How to Lower It Safely). Focusing on whole foods and incorporating exercise into your lifestyle can help optimize your body's natural ability to regulate insulin sensitivity, minimizing reliance on external factors that influence blood sugar levels.
In this episode, I explain how nicotine impacts the brain and body, including its potent ability to enhance attention, focus, and alertness, increase blood pressure and metabolism and reduce appetite. I discuss nicotine’s ability to increase the action of neurochemicals, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine and activate sympathetic (alertness-promoting) neural circuits. I also discuss common nicotine delivery methods, such as cigarettes, vaping, dip, and snuff, and how they each can tomatoes raise blood sugar create their own unique experience and how they, but not nicotine itself, cause cancer and other adverse health effects. I also explain science-based tools to permanently quit smoking cigarettes or vaping, including peer-reviewed clinical hypnosis tools, antidepressants, and alternative nicotine replacement (patches, lozenges, gums etc.). As nicotine is one of the most widely used substances with billions of users — most of whom report wanting to quit — this episode ought to be of interest to former/current nicotine users, those who want to quit smoking or vaping and/or those interested in learning the biology behind how nicotine impacts the brain and body. #HubermanLab #Science #Health Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): Thesis: InsideTracker: ROKA: Supplements from Momentous Social & Website Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: TikTok: LinkedIn: Website: Newsletter: Articles Predictors of smoking abstinence following a single-session restructuring intervention with self-hypnosis: Effect of hypnotic suggestion on cognition and craving in smokers: Pharmacological Approach to Smoking Cessation: An Updated Review for Daily Clinical Practice: Resources Reveri: Timestamps 00:00:00 Nicotine 00:02:47 Momentous Supplements 00:03:41 Tool: Brief Daily Meditation & Focus 00:05:59 The Arrow Model of Focus, Alpha GPC & Garlic Supplements 00:10:43 Thesis, InsideTracker, ROKA 00:14:35 Nicotine Effects vs. Methods of Delivery, Acetylcholine 00:19:55 Where is Nicotine Found? Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors 00:25:12 Nicotine & Effects on the Brain: Appetite, Dopamine & GABA 00:30:58 AG1 (Athletic Greens) 00:32:11 Nicotine, Acetylcholine & Attentional “Spotlighting” 00:37:29 Nicotine, Norepinephrine & Alertness/Energy 00:41:10 Nicotine & Effects on Appetite & Metabolism 00:46:47 Nicotine & Effects on low blood sugar without insulin Body: Sympathetic Tone 00:51:29 Nicotine & Cognitive Work vs. good number for blood sugar Physical Performance 00:55:08 Nicotine Delivery Methods & Side Effects, Young People & Dependency 00:58:35 Smoking, Vaping, Dipping & Snuffing: Carcinogens & Endothelial Cells 01:02:34 Smoking, Vaping, Dipping & Snuffing: Negative Impacts on Lifespan & Health 01:09:23 How to Quit Smoking, Nicotine Cravings & Withdrawal 01:13:56 Vaping & Nicotine, Rates of Effect Onset, Dopamine, Addiction & Depression 01:25:06 Tool: Quitting Smoking & Clinical Hypnosis, Reveri 01:30:16 Bupropion (Wellbutrin) & Quitting Smoking 01:36:24 Tool: A Nicotine Replacement Schedule to Quit Smoking, Nicotine Patch/Gum 01:41:52 Tool: Biological Homeostasis & Nicotine Withdrawal, The “First Week” Strategy 01:51:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous Supplements, Neural Network Newsletter, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook The Huberman Lab Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions. Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac -