Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is the amount of glucose naturally present in the blood. When we eat a meal, the glucose stimulates the pancreas to release insulin into the blood. The insulin travels from the bloodstream to the body’s cells, where it attaches to insulin receptors on the cell’s surface. The glucose molecules remain attached to the insulin receptors for a period of time before the cell can absorb them. If the morning blood glucose level is too high, the body’s cells can’t absorb the glucose properly, which can lead to impaired functioning and illness.
It’s important to maintain the right blood sugar level. To keep your perfect blood sugar level, consider these tips:
· Eat a healthy meal at least three hours before bedtime. This will help prevent high insulin levels overnight which can cause low blood sugar first thing in the morning.
· Avoid eating processed foods, including high glycemic index carbohydrates. They are broken down easily by the body and cause high insulin levels. Instead eat foods that are harder for the body to break down like vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes (beans), young coconuts and lean meats.
· Get enough good quality sleep each night since inadequate sleep causes elevated cortisol levels that promote unhealthy blood glucose patterns.
· Exercise daily – regular exercise reduces insulin resistance and lowers blood sugar levels.
· Take steps to lower stress which causes elevated cortisol levels that promote unhealthy blood glucose patterns.
· Eat plenty of vegetables and some fruit daily since they contain essential nutrients, vitamins and fiber that are needed for healthy blood sugar regulation.
· Get regular comprehensive medical check ups because uncontrolled diabetes can cause cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye problems like cataracts and even sexual impotence.
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