Managing Blood Sugar Levels... And Why its Important

I wanted to take a moment to share some insights on an important topic that affects many of us directly or indirectly: managing blood glucose levels.

Whether you're managing diabetes, at risk, or simply aiming to improve your health, this information may be helpful.

Why High Blood Sugar Levels Are Concerning

High blood sugar levels can lead to a range of problems, including:

• Diabetes

• Nerve damage (sometimes causing loss of feeling in the fingers and feet).

• Vision issues and kidney problems.

• An increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Even in individuals without diabetes, large spikes in blood sugar can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.

How blood sugar connects to diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body struggles to keep blood sugar in a healthy range.

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes: This is usually present from birth and occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin. Insulin is essential for regulating blood sugar levels, so without it, blood sugar remains too high.

Type 2 diabetes: This develops over time and often results from lifestyle factors. Here, the body still produces insulin, but it doesn’t work effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

Insulin is crucial because it helps move glucose (from the foods we eat) out of the bloodstream and into cells, where it’s used for energy. If insulin isn’t working properly, excess glucose circulates in the blood, which can cause serious complications.

Managing and Preventing Diabetes

For those with diabetes, or anyone looking to reduce their risk, key strategies include:

A Balanced Diet: While there’s no specific “diabetic diet,” the focus should be on healthy eating that we teach at Fitfish:

* Prioritise whole grains like brown rice and oats.

* Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits (in moderation, where appropriate).

* Opt for healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

* Reduce to very occasional intake of added sugars and processed foods.

Weight Management: For individuals with type 2 diabetes, even a small weight loss of 5–10% can significantly improve blood sugar control.

Exercise: Regular physical activity is essential, not only for weight management but also for maintaining muscle mass and regulating glucose levels.

Remember, every small step you take contributes to better health.