Here at Montes Medical Group, we know how important it is for our patients to understand the role of blood sugar in their overall health and well-being. If blood sugar levels reach unhealthy levels, preventable diseases such as type 2 diabetes can develop. In fact, poorly managed blood sugar levels can cause diabetic patients to develop serious health complications such as vision loss, nerve damage, cardiovascular problems, and kidney failure.
Fortunately, blood sugar (or glucose) can be managed properly and kept in a healthy range. For patients at risk of developing diabetes, doing so can result in disease prevention and protect them from a variety of health problems. So, what exactly is blood sugar, and what can we do to manage it properly and reduce our risk of developing diabetes?
Keep reading to learn more!
What is Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is the amount of sugar found within your bloodstream. This sugar (glucose) is the main source of energy used by the cells in our bodies. Glucose comes from carbohydrates we eat and is transported throughout the body via the bloodstream. A hormone known as insulin helps glucose enter cells for energy use and is vital in managing blood sugar properly.
As long as your pancreas can make enough insulin to balance out your blood sugar levels, they’ll stay in a healthy range. If your cells become too resistant to insulin, it leads to elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). People can develop “insulin resistance” due to various factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions. Over time, hyperglycemia can lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
The Importance of Blood Sugar Management
Having healthy blood sugar levels can make a world of difference in an individual’s health and lower their risk of developing preventable diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes impacts over 1 in 3 adults in the U.S., with over 80% unaware they even have it. By incorporating lifestyle changes and medication (if needed), prediabetes progression to type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
For people already diagnosed with diabetes, keeping blood sugar in healthy ranges can significantly reduce their risk of developing health complications. Even small reductions in A1C levels (the average blood glucose over three months) can lead to meaningful health improvements.
As healthcare providers, we understand how cost-effective it can be to focus on diabetes prevention. By focusing on early detection, patient education, and lifestyle support, we can reduce the long-term financial costs that come with unmanaged diabetes. When patients understand the impact of their activities on blood sugar, they are more likely to engage in positive behaviors that benefit their health over the long run.
Tips for Managing Blood Sugar Levels
Thankfully, there are many great ways to support healthy blood sugar levels. We encourage our patients to focus on their diet by prioritizing whole and unprocessed foods whenever possible. This may include fiber-rich vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as avocados. It is best to cut down on sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates whenever possible.
Staying physically active is also very important for managing healthy blood sugar levels. Try to get at least two to three hours of moderate exercise every week. Choose activities and workouts that you find enjoyable and are more likely to stick with in the long run. Doing so can help improve your insulin sensitivity and weight management efforts.
In addition to diet and exercise, managing stress and getting quality sleep are also critical for hormonal balance and blood sugar control. Find stress relieving methods that appeal to you and integrate them into your regular life. This may include meditation, going for nature walks, doing yoga, or even painting or writing in a journal. Pair your stress relieving efforts with a nightly sleep routine that supports deep uninterrupted rest that allows your body to rest and recover from the day.
Finally, be sure to get regular screenings with your healthcare provider. Early detection through fasting glucose, A1C tests, and glucose tolerance testing can ensure you’re getting the right care and medical support for your well-being.
Conclusion
As you can see, managing blood sugar levels isn’t just about some numbers in your medical charts. It’s about preserving your quality of life and ensuring you are living a life full of vitality and autonomy.
Our team is committed to empowering our patients with the tools and support they need to improve their health and reduce their risk of developing diabetes. By taking care of our minds and bodies, we can ensure our blood sugar levels are within healthy ranges and prevent unwanted health complications from showing up in our lives.