Why/How Q&A, posted by Lianne Westcot –
Q: What is the relationship between blood sugar and overall health?
Glucose, or blood sugar is not evil! In fact we need it to supply the energy for all of our daily activities. The important thing is to keep blood sugars level. Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, helps keep blood sugars level. Eating habits impact blood sugar levels, too. Rising and dropping blood sugar levels, over time, lead to the over-production of insulin. This can lead to insulin resistance, meaning the tissues and organs no longer absorb glucose normally.
Keeping blood sugars steady helps in the short term by decreasing cravings and increasing energy levels, and possibly losing weight. It also has many positive long-term affects, including good mobility and vision, and avoiding some chronic diseases. If you are like me, seeing the impact on current and future health is a motivator to learn how to manage blood sugar levels!
Below are some serious long-term negative affects of not managing blood sugar:
- Excess weight & related conditions
- Elevated blood pressure
- Inflammatory diseases
- High LDL cholesterol
- Arterial wall thickening
- Type 2 diabetes, leading to loss of vision, loss of kidney function, serious infections, and losing a foot or leg.
Q: What does this have to do with the Glycemic Index?
The Glycemic Index is simply a measurement of how specific carbohydrate foods affect blood sugar levels. High Glycemic foods are absorbed quickly. They raise blood sugars rapidly and create energy drops as well. The lower the Glycemic Rating, the slower the absorption and digestion process which provides a more gradual, healthier infusion of sugars into the bloodstream.
(Please note: this is just one way to manage long-term health — don’t forget about other factors such as sleep, stress*, exercise, and general nutrition.)
*Stress as a factor – In modern societies, stress is prevalent to the point that we accept as normal – but it’s not! With physical stress the body can shed the affects quickly through action. Mental stress, or the feeling of being under siege, is more harmful because it can be ongoing. Stress causes the release of adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones act together with insulin and when one is high, they all are. So, ongoing mental stress leads to high insulin production too.
Q: What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
My understanding is that Type 1 Diabetes is the inability for the body to produce insulin. With Type 2 Diabetes the body can still produce insulin, but the body tissues have become insensitive to it and can’t process Glucose normally.
Q: How does eating tie in with Type 2 Diabetes?
My hope is to improve my diet and avoid Type 2 Diabetes by leveling out my daily blood sugar levels. Replacing High Glycemic Foods (white bread, simple starches, and sugary drinks) with Low Glycemic foods (vegetables, fruits, and whole grains) is a quick way to start. If you want to learn more about this, watch for future posts, check out a book on the topic, or visit this website: http://www.glycemicindex.com.
Q: How does the Glycemic Index and blood sugar tie in with weight loss?
Excess glucose converts into body fat. Choosing Lower Glycemic foods aids in burning fat, keeps energy levels high, and reduces cravings.
NEXT POST: On to action! Basic Glycemic guidelines and formulas.
Solon Community Fitness Club 