The endocrine system, which is one of the body's most potent systems, uses hormones as its messenger. These hormones have an impact on a variety of bodily processes, including how your blood sugar is regulated.
Blood sugar and a number of hormones, such as oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol, are somewhat related. What is also very important to note is that insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar, is deeply interconnected with sex hormones like oestrogen and testosterone.
By storing glucose in cells, insulin decreases blood sugar levels. The body can develop insulin resistance if it is regularly exposed to sugar or foods that convert easily to sugar, such as white wheat products like pasta, bread, and cereals. When this resistance persists for a while, blood sugar and insulin levels are elevated.
Our cells stop responding to insulin or develop insulin resistance if our bodies are constantly overproducing it to counteract the effects of too much sugar, carbs, and stress. When this occurs, an excessive amount of sugar accumulates in the blood rather than being utilised by our cells, which can have serious negative effects on our health. Your cells won't be able to effectively absorb this glucose if you have insulin resistance, and your body will need more insulin to function normally.
However, by making little changes to one's lifestyle, insulin resistance may be diminished or even entirely reversed.
1. Watch your weight
A reduction of 5 to 10 % of your body weight can help to delay, and even prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes. Losing weight can also be beneficial to get better sleep, be more active, and thus lead to a healthier lifestyle.
2. Eat a diet that can help in balancing blood sugar
Refined carbohydrates are considered the enemy of a blood sugar healthy diet. Foods like pasta, bread, pastries, white sugar, and cereals all have a high glycemic index, which means that they cause your blood sugar levels to rise high, and rapidly. Substitute these with minimally processed carbs, like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, leafy greens, all of which can help in avoiding sudden spikes in blood sugar level.
3. Get moving!
Exercise increases the amount of glucose that muscle cells can absorb and use for energy and tissue repair while also lowering blood sugar levels. Additionally, regular exercise increases insulin sensitivity in cells and reduces insulin resistance.
4. Manage stress levels
Your body creates more cortisol when you're under stress. Your muscles and cells may become less responsive to insulin as a result of this hormone, raising blood sugar levels. According to research, controlling stress via exercise and meditation can also reduce blood sugar levels.
5. Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep can increase the stress and hunger-inducing chemicals cortisol and ghrelin, which can have effects like insulin resistance. Blood sugar levels can be lowered with sleep. A great strategy to maintain normal blood sugar levels is to get enough sleep each night.
Even with dietary and lifestyle adjustments, it can be difficult to maintain blood sugar balance, until your hormones are in check and your stress levels are reduced. Your mood, sleep, and energy levels will all improve when your hormones and blood sugar levels are more in harmony.