Post Time: 2025-07-18
Managing type 2 diabetes requires careful attention to blood sugar levels, which can be achieved through various means, including dietary changes and regular physical activity. Fasting is another technique that has gained popularity in recent years as a way to regulate blood sugar levels.
The Science Behind Blood Sugar Regulation
Understanding how the body regulates blood sugar is essential for managing type 2 diabetes. The primary regulator of blood glucose levels is insulin, which helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream. When we eat, our bodies release insulin to facilitate this process. However, in individuals with type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
The Importance of Dietary Changes
Diet plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar levels. Certain foods can help stabilize blood sugar by slowing down its absorption into the bloodstream or reducing glycemic load. For instance, whole grains like quinoa and brown rice have been shown to have lower glycemic indices than refined carbohydrates like white bread.
Exercise: A Key Component of Blood Sugar Management
Regular physical activity is another crucial aspect of managing type 2 diabetes. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity by enhancing the body's ability to absorb glucose from the bloodstream, thus reducing blood sugar levels. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and aerobic exercises into their workout routine can be particularly beneficial.
The Role of Supplements in Blood Sugar Regulation
While diet and exercise are fundamental components of managing type 2 diabetes, supplements like berberine, cinnamon, and chromium may also provide additional support. These nutrients have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, enhance glucose metabolism, or inhibit the absorption of dietary carbohydrates. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your regimen.
Reducing Stress for Better Blood Sugar Control
Lastly, managing stress levels can significantly impact blood sugar regulation in individuals with type 2 diabetes. When under chronic stress, our bodies produce excess cortisol and adrenaline hormones, which raise blood glucose levels by stimulating gluconeogenesis – the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like amino acids.
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is a key aspect of managing type 2 diabetes. By understanding how dietary changes and physical activity impact blood sugar regulation, incorporating supplements to support insulin sensitivity, reducing stress through relaxation techniques, and making other lifestyle adjustments as needed can help regulate blood glucose levels for better health outcomes.
I often get this question, and the answers are fairly simple. But, the thing is that the symptoms of persistent high blood glucose (diabetes) can easily be taken as symptoms of aging. Not only that, but we have a way of letting feeling a little lousy every day become a new normal. So watch this video and think about a doctor's visit if these symptoms sound like you feel. #highbloodsugar #type2diabetes Be sure to check out my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Instagram - My Book - Diabetes Meal Planning & Nutrition - How does it feel when your blood sugar is high or I like to say “blood sugar is above target”. The medical terminology, by the way, is Hyperglycemia. For some of you, it may feel like a “normal” feeling. This may be because your readings have been above target for a while, so it feels “normal”. Our bodies don’t always give us straight up signs that our blood sugar is above target and the only way to know for sure is to check. The typical symptoms or feelings are: 1) You blood sugar 371 feel very thirsty 2) You need to go to the bathroom to urinate more than usual….that’s because your body can eliminate excess blood glucose this way, but it’s a slow process. 3) Sometimes you may have a headache or blood sugar 170 after 3 hours feel lethargic or sleepy. It can go as far as having some altered mental status 4) If your breath is smelling fruity, this can be a warning indicator that you are experiencing diabetes ketoacidosis. And with that you can experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Being in a state of Diabetic ketoacidosis is dangerous. You can check your urine with keto sticks and when is your blood sugar the lowest call your doctor immediately. This is rarely an issue with type 2 diabetes although a similar dangerous condition can occur, especially if you’re ill already. I can hear your next question…What can cause an above target reading? If you are taking insulin, you may have not taken enough insulin; if you have type 2 diabetes, your body’s insulin may not being as effective; if you ate more carbohydrate than you had planned or exercised less than you had planned- it’s all a matter of balance with eating and body movement; or you are experiencing stress-whether it’s stress from having a cold or illness or emotional stress. These all can be causes of an above target reading. Bottom line is that if your blood sugar readings are above target, you won’t feel as well as you would if your readings are in target range. Check out my other videos related to this topic- How to bring your blood sugar down fast; 3 foods that spike blood sugar; or everything you need to know about blood sugar a couple of videos.