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Intro

Imagine a silent orchestra in your body, where every instrument plays a crucial role in harmonizing your health. One of the lead musicians in this ensemble is your blood sugar level, a dynamic player that can sway your well-being in profound ways. Too often, we overlook the subtle cues of this vital performer until the music falters and our health descends into discord. In a world where quick fixes and fast-paced living overshadow mindful health practices, understanding the nuanced language of our bodies becomes imperative. Your body is constantly talking to you. Unfortunately, you can’t just plug it in and get a diagnostic code. I used to tell my patients that I was simply an interpreter. Your body speaks, I listen and tell you what it says. This article is not just a collection of medical facts; it's an insightful journey into the world of blood sugar regulation—a world that influences everything from our energy levels to our risk of chronic diseases.

As you embark on this journey with us, you will uncover the less-talked-about signs and whispers of blood sugar imbalances, beyond the stark numbers of a blood test result. We will delve into how these fluctuations can play a pivotal role in your daily life, often in ways you might not expect. From the mysteries of insulin and its pivotal role in our bodies to the subtle symptoms that might be easy to dismiss, we invite you to explore the profound impact that blood sugar levels have on your overall health. This article is your guide to understanding these signals and taking proactive steps towards not just managing, but mastering your blood sugar levels for a healthier, harmonious life.

Blood Sugar Uncovered: Exploring the Far-Reaching Effects and Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Blood sugar levels play a vital role in our overall health and well-being. But did you know that imbalances in blood sugar can have far-reaching effects on our bodies? From weight gain and fatigue to mood swings and increased risk of chronic diseases, the impact of unstable blood sugar should not be underestimated. In this article, we will uncover the hidden dangers of fluctuating blood sugar levels, exploring the warning signs that you shouldn't ignore.

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is essential for optimal health and preventing the onset of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Yet, many people are unaware of the warning signs that their blood sugar may be out of balance. By understanding these symptoms and taking proactive steps to manage blood sugar levels, you can safeguard your long-term health.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of blood sugar and uncover the hidden effects it can have on your body. Discover the warning signs that you should never ignore and learn how to take control of your blood sugar levels for improved overall health and well-being.

The Role of Insulin in Regulating Blood Sugar Levels

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels in the body. When we consume carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose, a form of sugar that is used by our cells for energy. In response to rising blood sugar levels, the pancreas releases insulin, which allows glucose to enter the cells and be used for energy.

However, when there is an imbalance in blood sugar levels, the body's ability to produce or utilize insulin effectively may be compromised. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia. Unfortunately, most doctors don't check for insulin levels and only check for blood sugar levels. The problem with this is in the damage the high insulin levels may be doing to the body. We see this even in diabetics who take insulin. Hyperinsulinemia does not have any noticeable symptoms, at least non that you may think of as being related to insulin or blood sugar. However, if it leads to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it may cause:

• sugar cravings

• unintentional weight gain

• excessive hunger

• issues with concentration

• anxiety or feelings of panic

• extreme tiredness

Symptoms in infants and young children may include:

• difficulty feeding

• extreme irritability

• lethargy or no energy

n addition to prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, hyperinsulinemia is associated with the following conditions:

• Obesity.

• Metabolic syndrome.

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Higher triglyceride levels.

• High uric acid.

• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

• High blood pressure (hypertension).

What are the symptoms of hyperinsulinemia?

You may have no noticeable symptoms of hyperinsulinemia that result from insulin resistance. This is because your pancreas can produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance. However, chronic insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia often result in prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

Many people have no symptoms of prediabetes, often for years, but some people with prediabetes may experience the following symptoms:

• Darkened skin in your armpit or back and sides of your neck, called acanthosis nigricans.

• Skin tags (small skin growths).

• Eye changes that can lead to diabetic retinopathy.

• Increased thirst.

• Frequent urination (peeing).

• Increased hunger.

• Blurred vision.

• Headaches.

• Vaginal and skin infections.

• Slow-healing cuts and sores.

What are the risk factors for developing hyperinsulinemia?

Certain genetic and lifestyle risk factors make it more likely that you’ll develop hyperinsulinemia. Risk factors include:

• Being overweight or obese, especially excess fat around your belly. Metabolic syndrome.

• Being age 45 or older.

• Having a first-degree relative (biological parent or sibling) with diabetes.

• Having a sedentary lifestyle.

• Having certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels.

• Having a history of heart disease or stroke.

• Having a sleeping disorder, such as sleep apnea.

• Smoking.

• Metabolic Syndrom - How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when you have three or more of these conditions:

• Central or abdominal obesity (measured by waist circumference)

  • Men – greater than 40 inches

  • Women – greater than 35 inches

• High triglycerides – 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more, or you’re taking medicine for high triglycerides

• Low HDL cholesterol or you're taking medicine for low HDL cholesterol

  • Men – Less than 40 mg/dL

  • Women – Less than 50 mg/dL

• High blood pressure – 130/85 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or more, or you’re taking medicine for high blood pressure

• High fasting glucose (blood sugar) – 100 mg/dL or more, or you’re taking medicine for high blood glucose. I like to see fasting blood sugar around 85-90.

Understanding the Dangers of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can have serious consequences on our health. When blood sugar levels are consistently elevated, it can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.

In addition to the increased risk of diabetes, high blood sugar can also contribute to weight gain and obesity. When blood sugar levels are elevated, excess glucose is stored as fat in the body, leading to weight gain and difficulty in losing weight.

Furthermore, high blood sugar can have detrimental effects on our cardiovascular health. It has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. The excess glucose in the bloodstream can damage the blood vessels and impair their ability to function properly, putting a strain on the heart and increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems. Most doctors are only concerned about blood sugar once it is high enough to be labeled "diabetes." I have even seen some doctors who are unconcerned when their patients have blood sugar high enough to be categorized as "Pre-Diabetes." This doesn't really make sense to me because high blood sugar still causes damage. Why wait until the damage is life-threatening? So what signs and symptoms should you be aware of, beyond just the fasting blood glucose test?

• Yeast infections. Both men and women with diabetes can get these. Yeast feeds on glucose, so having plenty around makes it thrive. Infections can grow in any warm, moist fold of skin, including:

  • Between fingers and toes

  • Under breasts

  • In or around sex organs

  • I would also include tinea versicolor, which is common especially here in Florida. You have seen it. It often looks like spotty white or red patches on the skin. Tinea is due to a fungus.

• Slow-healing sores or cuts. Over time, high blood sugar can affect your blood flow and cause nerve damage that makes it hard for your body to heal wounds.

• Pain or numbness in your feet or legs. This is another result of nerve damage.

• Erectile dysfunction – can be from poor nerve health and/or blood circulation issues.

• Feeling more thirsty than usual.

• Urinating often.

• Feeling tired and weak.

• Feeling irritable or having other mood changes.

• Having blurry vision.

• Having slow-healing sores.

• Getting a lot of infections, such as gum, skin and vaginal infections.

• Diabetes can cause changes in the circulatory system. For example, high blood sugar levels cause changes in the cells lining the capillaries. These changes may prevent adequate blood flow to your lower legs and feet, resulting in cell and tissue damage from a lack of nutrients and oxygen.

• Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands.

• A "slight blush" on the nail could indicate diabetes.

• Your nails may also turn yellow or more brittle.

• Having a "distinctive line" across the nail is another red flag. This is known as Beau’s lines.

• Another sign to look out for in toenails is if the half-moon-shaped part of your nail called the lunulae appears red. The exact cause of this nail condition is unclear. But, it usually occurs in people with diabetes as well as heart disease and thyroid issues.

• Yeast or fungi nail infections, which are caused by diabetes and vascular disease, often occur in toenails as well. A nail fungus called onychomycosis can discolor toenails to the point where they appear either white, yellow or slightly green. Your whole nail could also become thick and brittle, making it sharp and easy to break off. This is known as onychomycosis and is a huge predictor of diabetic foot ulcers.

Because diabetes may cause nerve and blood vessel damage, it can cause problems beyond the toenails. These include:

• dry, cracked skin. You see this often in dry cracked heels. Living in Florida you will notice people in flip-flops with dry and cracked heels. This is a common problem with people that have blood sugar issues whether they know it or not.

• wounds that won’t heal and may become chronic ulcers

• changes in the shape of your feet - another common problem you may notice and think is age-related, but may actually be an early warning sign of other health issues. If it is from blood sugar issues, this may cause more serious problems because of the damage that may happen to your feet, wearing shoes that used to fit.

• swollen feet

• inability to feel pain or temperature changes. Some doctors will check your ability to balance on one foot because of this. When there is poor nerve communication to our limbs, it affects the ability to make small adjustments, such as balancing on one foot.

• loss of hair in your feet or lower legs

• Shin spots -This skin condition is common in people who have diabetes. The medical name for shin spots is diabetic dermopathy. You may also hear people refer to this condition as spotted leg syndrome.

• Hard, thickening skin. If you have diabetes, hard, thick, and swollen-looking skin can develop, even when diabetes is well controlled. The medical name for this condition is scleredema diabeticorum.

• Yellowish, smooth bumps or patches on and around your eyelids. These bumps and patches develop when you have high levels of fat in your blood, which can be a sign that you have poorly controlled diabetes. The medical name for this condition is xanthelasma.

• Yellow, reddish, brown, or purplish patches on your skin. When this condition begins, you’ll often see one or a few reddish-brown spots on your shins if you have a lighter skin tone. People with darker skin tones often see purplish spots. These spots aren’t itchy or painful. The medical name for this condition is necrobiosis lipoidica.

• Blood sugar imbalances can also affect your hair. Poor circulation affects hair growth. Many diabetics notice their hair seems to disappear from their lower legs. This is probably due to nerve and circulation changes.

• Blood sugar disorders is closely associated with thyroid disorders. Disruptions in thyroid hormone levels can affect the natural hair cycle. Levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) are also known to be high in those with diabetes, increasing insulin resistance. Excess cortisol can disrupt the hair follicle, leading to hair growth disorders. The active growing phase of your hair lasts for 2 years or more. During it, hairs grow 1 centimeter (cm) each month. After a transition period, hair then goes into a resting phase. This lasts for up to 4 months. After this phase, some resting, hair falls out. Blood sugar disorders can interrupt this process, slowing down hair growth. Having blood sugar issues can also cause you to lose more hair than usual. That hair loss doesn’t only affect your head. You can lose hairs on your arms, legs, and other body parts, too. When the hair regrows, it does so at a slower-than-usual rate.

The Link Between Blood Sugar and Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer have a strong association with imbalances in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are consistently high, it can lead to chronic inflammation in the body, which is a key driver of many diseases.

Diabetes, in particular, is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Over time, the persistent elevation of blood sugar can lead to damage to the blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of complications such as cardiovascular problems, kidney disease, and nerve damage.

High blood sugar has also been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer. The mechanisms underlying this association are still being studied, but it is believed that the elevated levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factors in the body may play a role in promoting cancer cell growth.

Warning Signs of High Blood Sugar

Recognizing the warning signs of high blood sugar is crucial for early detection and intervention. Some common symptoms of high blood sugar include:

1. Frequent urination: When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys work harder to remove the excess glucose from the bloodstream, leading to increased urine production.

2. Increased thirst: Excessive urination can cause dehydration, leading to increased thirst as the body tries to replenish lost fluids.

3. Fatigue: High blood sugar levels can impair the body's ability to use glucose for energy effectively, leading to feelings of fatigue and low energy levels.

4. Blurred vision: Elevated blood sugar levels can affect the lens of the eye, causing temporary changes in vision.

5. Slow wound healing: High blood sugar can impair the body's ability to heal wounds and fight infections, leading to delayed wound healing.

It is important to note that these symptoms may vary from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms at all. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential, especially for individuals at risk of diabetes or those with a family history of the condition. These signs usually show up later though. If you pay attention to your body and make adjustments when you notice the more subtle signs, the problem may not progress this far.

Effects of High Blood Sugar on the Body

High blood sugar can have far-reaching effects on various systems in the body. Some of the key effects include:

1. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Elevated blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

2. Nerve damage: High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities. This also results in things like ED for men, loss of hair on the body, poor wound healing, poor balance, etc

3. Kidney damage: Prolonged high blood sugar can damage the kidneys' filtering units, leading to kidney disease and impaired kidney function.

4. Eye problems: High blood sugar levels can affect the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Even for people who never develop diabetes, it is thought that inflammation and blood sugar may play a role in eye problems such as cataracts.

5. Weakened immune system: Elevated blood sugar levels can impair the functioning of the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and delaying wound healing. The Western medical community talks a lot about vaccines or medications but they don’t usually educate their patients on ways to make sure their immune system is strong. Viruses and bacteria are opportunistic. When you have a strong immune system, you may not notice as many of the “bugs” that others seem to come down with. When I supplement to support your body’s immune system, I am making your body more resistant to disease. It works better when your body goes along with the program.

Effects of High Insulin on the Body

In addition to high blood sugar, high levels of insulin in the body can also have detrimental effects on our health. When blood sugar levels are consistently elevated, the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, a condition in which the body's cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin.

Insulin resistance is a key driver of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It is characterized by high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Furthermore, high insulin levels can promote inflammation in the body, which has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease(often called Diabetes type 3). Unfortunately, many doctors do not test for high insulin levels. It is possible for you to have “normal” blood glucose levels but have high insulin levels. This still causes damage, aging, and inflammation and leaves you vulnerable to other disorders.

Recommended Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Blood Sugar Control

Managing blood sugar levels requires a holistic approach that includes dietary and lifestyle modifications. Here are some recommendations for maintaining stable blood sugar levels:

1. Eat a balanced diet: Focus on consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including limited whole grains (honestly you can remove these altogether if you want), High-quality proteins, healthy fats, vegetables, and limited fruit. Avoid processed foods, sugary beverages, and refined carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar spikes.

2. Monitor carbohydrate intake: Pay attention to the amount and quality of carbohydrates you consume. Choose complex carbohydrates that are high in fiber and have a lower glycemic index, such as whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables.

3. Stay active: Regular physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (a walk works well for this. Take that walk with your spouse or a friend and it may also help with stress relief) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week.

4. Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to imbalances in blood sugar levels. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness, engaging in relaxation techniques, or participating in activities you enjoy.

5. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can disrupt hormone regulation and lead to imbalances in blood sugar levels. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support optimal health. I just did an article on sleep last week. There is a lot you can do to help improve your sleep. Make small changes, but if that is not enough, then supplementing with vitamins, minerals, or herbs to help your body make the switch to a more relaxed state, can also be very useful.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Blood Sugar for a Healthier Future

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health and well-being. Fluctuations in blood sugar can have far-reaching effects on our bodies, increasing the risk of chronic diseases and negatively impacting our quality of life.

By recognizing the warning signs of high blood sugar, understanding the dangers it poses, and implementing appropriate lifestyle changes, you can take control of your blood sugar levels and safeguard your long-term health. Together, we can uncover the hidden effects of blood sugar imbalances and work towards a healthier future. The standard Western medicine approach is more focused on disease management. They are exceptional at it. The problem is that it often falls short of restoring or maintaining health. Do not wait until your blood sugar levels are high enough to put a label on it ....yet. Why wait? If you notice some of the signs and symptoms I listed, start making changes. It is far easier and cheaper to correct problems when they are small, rather than wait until they need prescription drugs and medical intervention. Make small changes in your diet, lifestyle, and supplementation program, and you will see big changes in your health. Inflammation is at the core of nearly every disease. Either the cause or it becomes a contributing factor. Managing your blood sugar is a way that puts the power back in your hands, and gives you the ability to improve regardless of what else is going on.

One quick note before I close

My computer crashed twice while writing this and lost the article twice. Luckily my notes that I used didn’t get lost. Hopefully, it still flowed well and you got something out of the article. I wanted to mention something that is very common but I couldn’t find a place in the article that it fit well. You have seen the commercials for Snickers? They are funny. You know the ones that tell you to grab a Snickers because you are not you when you are hungry. Here is the problem, and maybe you have noticed it. When you get hungry, if you notice that you are not you. You get shaky and irritable, maybe moody. This is called Reactive Hypoglycemia. If you grab a Snickers, it makes it worse in the long run, but there is a catch. This is usually from your body over-correcting for the lack of food, releasing glucose into the blood, and then over-correcting, dropping your glucose and now you feel out of sorts. Often you will notice it is difficult to make healthy food choices in that state. It is not your imagination, it is very difficult to make healthy food choices in that state because your brain is demanding fast energy. The key is less carbs. When you eat less carbs, especially refined carbs, you have more even energy. Eating more carbs you may notice that your energy has more peaks and valleys. Reactive hypoglycemia is often a sign of some adrenal stress as well as diet. Those two can be linked but that is a subject for another time.

News

I wanted to share a summary of some research but I need to keep this short. I will put a link if you want to read the study. I will do an article on time-restrictive eating soon…enjoy

The Impact of Fasting on Human Metabolism and Psychological Well-being

Fasting is a commonly used method for weight loss and can also be beneficial in treating certain illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes. This has sparked interest among researchers and the general public as it relates to the effects of intermittent fasting on overall health, aging, and disease progression. This piece explores how fasting impacts human lipid, glucose, protein, and neuroendocrine metabolism, as well as the resulting metabolic changes. Additionally, it delves into the effects of fasting on psychological well-being, the connection between mood and glucose regulation, and the potential emotional benefits of fasting.

Thank you for reading and being part of this community!

As we come to the close of this(hopefully) insightful journey through the realms of blood sugar imbalances, and how it impacts you as a whole. I hope you’ve found valuable information that empowers you on your path to wellness. Knowledge is most powerful when shared, and if you believe this information could benefit a friend or loved one, I encourage you to pass it on. Sharing is an act of kindness and an opportunity to spread awareness that could positively impact someone's health journey. If you found this newsletter enlightening, consider posting about it on your social media platforms. Together, we can grow a community dedicated to informed health choices and holistic well-being. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey, and for your support in spreading knowledge that can transform lives