Blood sugar level and body are the same way in sync, as any engine and fuel are. Blood glucose or sugar levels help run the human body and perform any tasks that require energy; even breathing. To say that ‘blood sugar is important’ does not even do it justice. The fact is that healthy blood sugar levels are essential for human functioning. Let’s see why the blood sugar complex is important and what is the best way to control blood sugar levels.

What is Blood Sugar?

Blood sugar or glucose is the main source of nutrition in human blood. The human body gets this sugar from the carbohydrates it consumes. It is the most fundamental source of energy and helps the body function. This sugar is absorbed, stored, and produced through complex metabolic processes in the body involving major organs like the intestines, pancreas, and liver.

Blood Sugar and Human Body

Sugar enters the human body when you consume food. Major food items like dairy and grains contain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are different forms of sugar. When carbohydrates are consumed, the human body uses them by converting them into glucose. This glucose then circulates in the body and is known as blood sugar.

The endocrine system maintains the levels of healthy blood sugar levels with the help of the pancreas. The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. This helps lower excessive levels of glucose, by converting it to glycogen. Pancreas also produces glucagon, which does the exact opposite. This hormone converts glycogen back into glucose. This happens when blood sugar levels are low. This is how healthy blood sugar level is maintained, through a careful balance between these two conversions.

The Normal Level of Blood Sugar

The normal level of blood sugar ranges from 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter before a meal and from 80 to 140 milligrams per deciliter after a meal. For healthy males and non-pregnant women, these levels should be 80 to 130 mg/dl before a meal and less than 180 mg/dl at 1 to 2 hours after beginning the meal. These levels are recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Why Is it Important to Have Balanced Blood Sugar Levels?

Maintaining a healthy level of sugar in the blood is important because abnormal levels can cause long-term health issues. Abnormal levels can lead to serious health conditions, problems in maintaining a healthy weight, and even good mental health sometimes. According to the ADA, in America alone, nearly 100 million people develop health problems related to abnormal blood sugar levels and imbalance. This leads to a huge financial burden on the system and the individual’s pocket. The health conditions developed due to such imbalances also cause a loss of productivity in people.

Blood sugar imbalance can have direct effects on human health like:

• Irritability
• anxiety and depression
• mood swings
• poor concentration
• insomnia
• excessive thirst
• drowsiness
• difficulty losing weight
• brain fog
• cravings for sweet food
• excessive sweating
• belly pouch
• addiction to caffeine-containing drinks
• diabetes
• heart disease

How is Abnormal Blood Sugar Level Linked with Heart Disease?

Abnormal blood sugar levels have been linked to serious health conditions, the most prominent of which is heart disease. Diabetes (imbalance of blood sugar levels due to Insulin’s underproduction or Insulin Sensitivity) is directly intertwined with heart disease. According to research on the subject, if a person has diabetes, he is more likely to develop heart disease. This is also true vice versa. If a person has a heart condition, he is more likely to develop diabetes. Especially, the higher the degree of heart disease, the blood sugar level is also more raised.

Understanding Insulin Resistance and Insulin Sensitivity

To understand the relationship between diabetes and heart disease, it is important to first understand Insulin resistance. Most people who develop these two conditions have Insulin resistance. This resistance happens when cells in the human body do not respond to Insulin; especially in fat and the liver. The cells cannot use glucose from the blood for energy. Insulin sensitivity just refers to how sensitive human cells are to Insulin. Low insulin sensitivity can also lead to Insulin Resistance. This results in a person developing prediabetes. It means that blood sugar levels are high in a person but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. However, over time a person can develop Type 2 diabetes.

Almost 1 in 3 adults in the United States have prediabetes. People who are at risk of developing it include overweight individuals, 45 years of age or older, having a sibling with diabetes, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and a history of gestational diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are especially at risk.

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

People with Insulin resistance often develop a condition known as metabolic syndrome. It is also known as syndrome X or borderline diabetes. In this condition, there can be increased triglycerides, reduced HDL, heightened inflammation, a three-fold or greater risk of heart attack, a greater risk for stroke, and diabetes.

Insulin resistance and Inflammation are also linked. Studies have shown that insulin resistance can lead to a higher risk of inflammation, in turn increasing the likelihood of diabetes and heart attack.

How Can You Fight Insulin Resistance?

Now that you understand what abnormal blood sugar levels can do in the body, let’s see how these conditions can be handled and how you can fight insulin resistance. A doctor may prescribe you a pill that is insulin-sensitizing and has anti-hyperglycemic effects. These include metformin and thiazolidinedione. It can also be managed through several other lifestyle changes like:

• Consuming a whole-food diet containing complex carbohydrates
• Stop consumption of simple carbohydrates like glucose, fructose, and sucrose; especially sugary drinks and “white carbs”
• Increasing fiber intakes such as fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, berries, and whole grains
• Getting good quality sleep
• Reducing stress
• Increasing physical activity
• Losing weight
• Avoiding trans fats
• Using an Insulin resistance supplement and natural remedies for diabetes

Blood Sugar Complex: Insulin Resistance Supplement

These insulin resistance supplements are one of the most effective ways of mitigating the risk of diabetes, prediabetes, and heart disease. Extensive studies show these supplements can help control blood sugar. A natural blood sugar complex supplement for insulin resistance can help by increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing insulin resistance. They are not cures or treatments for diabetes type 2 but adjunct therapy to other sound lifestyle changes. The most effective of these supplements include:

• Magnesium – is a mineral that works by helping insulin receptors store blood sugar. Low levels of this natural supplement for insulin resistance are linked to the development of decreased insulin sensitivity. Taking this magnesium supplement can increase insulin sensitivity.
• Chromium – is involved in carbohydrates and fats metabolism. Studies suggest that using 200-100 mcg of chromium supplement a day can improve the ability of insulin receptors to reduce blood sugar levels.
• Resveratrol – is a polyphenol found in red grape skin and other berries. Though its mechanism of action is not yet understood, it has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity; especially in people with Type 2 Diabetes.
• Berberine – is a plant-extracted molecule usually taken from Berberis. Taking this berberine supplement lowers blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity.