Understanding the blood sugar roller coaster...
Hearts_2015
Posts: 12,032 Member
Understanding the blood sugar roller coaster and reaching blood sugar balance
Blood Sugar Balance — The Basics
If you have ever experienced sleepiness in the afternoon or after meals, you already know something important about maintaining proper blood sugar levels. The charts below will help you better understand how our bodies regulate energy, and how a proper diet supports energy balance.
Q. What is blood sugar?
Blood sugar is the glucose that circulates in the blood. Obtained from digested food, glucose is one of the body’s main sources of fuel, providing cells with energy and the brain with the fuel it depends on to function (glucose is the only source of energy for brain cells). Glucose that is not taken up by cells for energy use is either converted in the liver into glycogen and stored for later use or is stored as fat. It is important to note that only a small amount of glucose is stored as glycogen for short-term energy use; most excess glucose is stored as fat for long-term energy use.
Q: What is insulin?
Insulin is the hormone made by the pancreas that helps shuttle glucose into cells for energy use and converts excess glucose into fat; it is essential for metabolizing carbohydrates. After eating a meal, blood sugar normally rises, triggering a release of insulin from the pancreas; carbohydrates in particular trigger the release of insulin. The insulin allows glucose to enter cells throughout the body, and as glucose enters the cells, blood glucose levels fall back to a normal range.
Q: Why is being on a ‘blood sugar roller coaster’ a problem?
The blood sugar roller coaster caused by regular consumption of too many carbohydrates or the wrong kind of carbohydrates (refined and processed) produces chronically-elevated levels of insulin, which eventually leads the cells to lose their sensitivity to insulin and no longer respond normally. As a result, excess glucose is stored as fat and even more insulin is released by the pancreas. Additionally, a processed-foods diet containing a lot of refined carbohydrates causes a depletion of the nutrients needed to maintain cell sensitivity to insulin. Ultimately, these factors contribute to the development of insulin resistance, or pre-diabetes (aka metabolic syndrome).
Q: What do you mean by a ‘balanced’ meal?
A balanced meal is referred to as a meal that contains all the health-building macronutrients (protein, healthy carbohydrates, and healthy fat) in ratios and amounts that support blood sugar stability for approximately 4-5 hours after consumption. Ask for a copy of the Healthy Meal Wheel, and you will see how building a healthy and delicious balanced meal can be easy!
Q: What are symptoms of blood sugar imbalance?
Various symptoms may occur from blood sugar imbalance. Symptoms may include increased appetite, food cravings, feeling fatigued (tired and sleepy), feeling hyper, jittery, or nervous; brain fog (spacey, unable to concentrate), depressed mood, pessimistic thoughts, irritability, anxiousness, and/or obsessive thought patterns.
http://www.naturalgrocers.com/sites/default/files/Pages from 1.2-Blood Sugar Roller Coaster page 1.pdf
(this is a helpful chart in understanding how blood sugar/glucose etc. works in our body and it's effects)
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage is providing this information to you for educational purposes. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice and care. If you have or suspect you have a health problem, please consult your physician.
http://www.naturalgrocers.com/nutrition/understanding-blood-sugar-roller-coaster-and-reaching-blood-sugar-balance
Blood Sugar Balance — The Basics
If you have ever experienced sleepiness in the afternoon or after meals, you already know something important about maintaining proper blood sugar levels. The charts below will help you better understand how our bodies regulate energy, and how a proper diet supports energy balance.
Q. What is blood sugar?
Blood sugar is the glucose that circulates in the blood. Obtained from digested food, glucose is one of the body’s main sources of fuel, providing cells with energy and the brain with the fuel it depends on to function (glucose is the only source of energy for brain cells). Glucose that is not taken up by cells for energy use is either converted in the liver into glycogen and stored for later use or is stored as fat. It is important to note that only a small amount of glucose is stored as glycogen for short-term energy use; most excess glucose is stored as fat for long-term energy use.
Q: What is insulin?
Insulin is the hormone made by the pancreas that helps shuttle glucose into cells for energy use and converts excess glucose into fat; it is essential for metabolizing carbohydrates. After eating a meal, blood sugar normally rises, triggering a release of insulin from the pancreas; carbohydrates in particular trigger the release of insulin. The insulin allows glucose to enter cells throughout the body, and as glucose enters the cells, blood glucose levels fall back to a normal range.
Q: Why is being on a ‘blood sugar roller coaster’ a problem?
The blood sugar roller coaster caused by regular consumption of too many carbohydrates or the wrong kind of carbohydrates (refined and processed) produces chronically-elevated levels of insulin, which eventually leads the cells to lose their sensitivity to insulin and no longer respond normally. As a result, excess glucose is stored as fat and even more insulin is released by the pancreas. Additionally, a processed-foods diet containing a lot of refined carbohydrates causes a depletion of the nutrients needed to maintain cell sensitivity to insulin. Ultimately, these factors contribute to the development of insulin resistance, or pre-diabetes (aka metabolic syndrome).
Q: What do you mean by a ‘balanced’ meal?
A balanced meal is referred to as a meal that contains all the health-building macronutrients (protein, healthy carbohydrates, and healthy fat) in ratios and amounts that support blood sugar stability for approximately 4-5 hours after consumption. Ask for a copy of the Healthy Meal Wheel, and you will see how building a healthy and delicious balanced meal can be easy!
Q: What are symptoms of blood sugar imbalance?
Various symptoms may occur from blood sugar imbalance. Symptoms may include increased appetite, food cravings, feeling fatigued (tired and sleepy), feeling hyper, jittery, or nervous; brain fog (spacey, unable to concentrate), depressed mood, pessimistic thoughts, irritability, anxiousness, and/or obsessive thought patterns.
http://www.naturalgrocers.com/sites/default/files/Pages from 1.2-Blood Sugar Roller Coaster page 1.pdf
(this is a helpful chart in understanding how blood sugar/glucose etc. works in our body and it's effects)
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage is providing this information to you for educational purposes. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice and care. If you have or suspect you have a health problem, please consult your physician.
http://www.naturalgrocers.com/nutrition/understanding-blood-sugar-roller-coaster-and-reaching-blood-sugar-balance
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Replies
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Sigh.... I am just waiting the junk food advocates to show up. "I lost 700lbs on taco bell alone!" "I know a lady who eats ice cream at every meal and she is the skinniest person I have ever known!" They don't want to believe this. They will come in here and try to put everyone through the ringer who even suggests a healthful diet.0
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bump:flowerforyou:0
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Sigh.... I am just waiting the junk food advocates to show up. "I lost 700lbs on taco bell alone!" "I know a lady who eats ice cream at every meal and she is the skinniest person I have ever known!" They don't want to believe this. They will come in here and try to put everyone through the ringer who even suggests a healthful diet.
I actually did lose 40lbs of pretty much all bodyfat in 90 days...eating virtually nothing but taco bell (lunch), chicken and broccoli (dinner) lol.
And a lot of it.
Every day.
A healthful diet is a wonderful thing...and should be a goal for everyone, but it's unnecessary for fat loss. The truth is the truth.
Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.0 -
Insulin resistance. It comes from eating garbage. Even if you exercise.Sigh.... I am just waiting the junk food advocates to show up. "I lost 700lbs on taco bell alone!" "I know a lady who eats ice cream at every meal and she is the skinniest person I have ever known!" They don't want to believe this. They will come in here and try to put everyone through the ringer who even suggests a healthful diet.
I actually did lose 40lbs of pretty much all bodyfat in 90 days...eating virtually nothing but taco bell (lunch), chicken and broccoli (dinner) lol.
And a lot of it.
Every day.
A healthful diet is a wonderful thing...and should be a goal for everyone, but it's unnecessary for fat loss. The truth is the truth.
Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.
http://voices.yahoo.com/does-insulin-resistance-always-gain-weight-6613164.html
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/body+fitness/weight+loss/insulin+resistance+may+be+making+you+fat,7603
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/prediabetesanddiabetes/a/insulinresistan.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/490298-why-does-insulin-make-you-gain-weight/
http://www.pre-diabetes.com/prediabetes/why-does-insulin-resistance-cause-weight-gain.html
you get the point. People who push "a calorie is a calorie" mumbo jumbo are full of it. Sure, there may be people who can get away with eating every meal at a fast food restaurant in the present. But later down the road all the processed junk WILL wreak havoc on the body. JUNK IS NOT GOOD.0 -
Insulin resistance. It comes from eating garbage. Even if you exercise.Sigh.... I am just waiting the junk food advocates to show up. "I lost 700lbs on taco bell alone!" "I know a lady who eats ice cream at every meal and she is the skinniest person I have ever known!" They don't want to believe this. They will come in here and try to put everyone through the ringer who even suggests a healthful diet.
I actually did lose 40lbs of pretty much all bodyfat in 90 days...eating virtually nothing but taco bell (lunch), chicken and broccoli (dinner) lol.
And a lot of it.
Every day.
A healthful diet is a wonderful thing...and should be a goal for everyone, but it's unnecessary for fat loss. The truth is the truth.
Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.
http://voices.yahoo.com/does-insulin-resistance-always-gain-weight-6613164.html
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/body+fitness/weight+loss/insulin+resistance+may+be+making+you+fat,7603
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/prediabetesanddiabetes/a/insulinresistan.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/490298-why-does-insulin-make-you-gain-weight/
http://www.pre-diabetes.com/prediabetes/why-does-insulin-resistance-cause-weight-gain.html
you get the point. People who push "a calorie is a calorie" mumbo jumbo are full of it. Sure, there may be people who can get away with eating every meal at a fast food restaurant in the present. But later down the road all the processed junk WILL wreak havoc on the body. JUNK IS NOT GOOD.
First, not one of those sources is worth the time to click on. Half of them either you or I could write for. There is no accountability.
Second, no one, not one person on this site that I have EVER SEEN in over two years...says processed food is good for you. But yes, a calorie is a calorie when it comes to weight loss. Any number of REAL, peer reviewed studies (as in...not crap links that the used car salesman on the corner could have written) have proven it. Additionally...it it weren't true, I couldn't have done what I did first hand.
Third, you bring up insulin resistance. Answer my question to the OP (I bolded it in the quote above), if you will.0 -
Insulin resistance. It comes from eating garbage. Even if you exercise.Sigh.... I am just waiting the junk food advocates to show up. "I lost 700lbs on taco bell alone!" "I know a lady who eats ice cream at every meal and she is the skinniest person I have ever known!" They don't want to believe this. They will come in here and try to put everyone through the ringer who even suggests a healthful diet.
I actually did lose 40lbs of pretty much all bodyfat in 90 days...eating virtually nothing but taco bell (lunch), chicken and broccoli (dinner) lol.
And a lot of it.
Every day.
A healthful diet is a wonderful thing...and should be a goal for everyone, but it's unnecessary for fat loss. The truth is the truth.
Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.
http://voices.yahoo.com/does-insulin-resistance-always-gain-weight-6613164.html
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/body+fitness/weight+loss/insulin+resistance+may+be+making+you+fat,7603
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/prediabetesanddiabetes/a/insulinresistan.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/490298-why-does-insulin-make-you-gain-weight/
http://www.pre-diabetes.com/prediabetes/why-does-insulin-resistance-cause-weight-gain.html
you get the point. People who push "a calorie is a calorie" mumbo jumbo are full of it. Sure, there may be people who can get away with eating every meal at a fast food restaurant in the present. But later down the road all the processed junk WILL wreak havoc on the body. JUNK IS NOT GOOD.
It would be really, REALLY hard to induce insulin resistance while exercising. Insulin resistance is not just an artifact of diet. I study insulin resistance at GREAT depth and even inducing appreciable weight gain in humans or mice with a 45% fat hypercaloric diet is a challenge, let alone full-blown insulin resistance. That term gets thrown around a lot.0 -
Insulin resistance. It comes from eating garbage. Even if you exercise.Sigh.... I am just waiting the junk food advocates to show up. "I lost 700lbs on taco bell alone!" "I know a lady who eats ice cream at every meal and she is the skinniest person I have ever known!" They don't want to believe this. They will come in here and try to put everyone through the ringer who even suggests a healthful diet.
I actually did lose 40lbs of pretty much all bodyfat in 90 days...eating virtually nothing but taco bell (lunch), chicken and broccoli (dinner) lol.
And a lot of it.
Every day.
A healthful diet is a wonderful thing...and should be a goal for everyone, but it's unnecessary for fat loss. The truth is the truth.
Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.
http://voices.yahoo.com/does-insulin-resistance-always-gain-weight-6613164.html
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/body+fitness/weight+loss/insulin+resistance+may+be+making+you+fat,7603
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/prediabetesanddiabetes/a/insulinresistan.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/490298-why-does-insulin-make-you-gain-weight/
http://www.pre-diabetes.com/prediabetes/why-does-insulin-resistance-cause-weight-gain.html
you get the point. People who push "a calorie is a calorie" mumbo jumbo are full of it. Sure, there may be people who can get away with eating every meal at a fast food restaurant in the present. But later down the road all the processed junk WILL wreak havoc on the body. JUNK IS NOT GOOD.
First, not one of those sources is worth the time to click on. Half of them either you or I could write for. There is no accountability.
Second, no one, not one person on this site that I have EVER SEEN in over two years...says processed food is good for you. But yes, a calorie is a calorie when it comes to weight loss. Any number of REAL, peer reviewed studies (as in...not crap links that the used car salesman on the corner could have written) have proven it. Additionally...it it weren't true, I couldn't have done what I did first hand.
Third, you bring up insulin resistance. Answer my question to the OP (I bolded it in the quote above), if you will.
How convenient for you. People order others around here to "cite the source" because they don't believe what is being said. I cite sources with out the demand and suddenly no source is good enough. Why don't YOU go look it up on your own. Insulin resistance is what I am talking about right here. A calorie is not just a calorie when that calorie has altered the body into hanging onto fat. THAT is a fact, and it always will be true whether you like it, or believe it.0 -
It would be really, REALLY hard to induce insulin resistance while exercising. Insulin resistance is not just an artifact of diet. I study insulin resistance at GREAT depth and even inducing appreciable weight gain in humans or mice with a 45% fat hypercaloric diet is a challenge, let alone full-blown insulin resistance. That term gets thrown around a lot.
More than a lot.
What's funny...is if you look at the majority of the 'a calorie is a calorie' people, they invariably started out overweight (some morbidly obese), and are usually pretty thin/built/fit. Many of them had issues with insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, thyroid problems...the works.
Yet here we all sit, with reasonable (and some rather incredibly low *glances up*) bodyfat levels.
I guess a calorie isn't a calorie after all. All of our gains are imaginary, and we should have trusted voices.yahoo.com to give us nutritional and weight loss advice.0 -
How convenient for you. People order others around here to "cite the source" because they don't believe what is being said. I cite sources with out the demand and suddenly no source is good enough. Why don't YOU go look it up on your own. Insulin resistance is what I am talking about right here. A calorie is not just a calorie when that calorie has altered the body into hanging onto fat. THAT is a fact, and it always will be true whether you like it, or believe it.
Those aren't sources. Half of them are tripe written by whoever felt like answering. The other half are full of misinformation.
Go find me peer reviewed studies that support your point. Because I can tell you right now, at least 60% of us (inlcluding myself) who believe a 'calorie is a calorie' have waded through those medical journals ourselves to find real, scientifically proven information, rather than trusting 'livestrong' to feed us whatever it feels like.0 -
Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.
Hi Chris,
I don't have it down, I only wish I did, it's something ongoing as a diabetic I work on constantly to understand my body better. What works for some might not work for another, I merely posted this for others that had asked me about it and the article I read. I think some can go for long periods of time with no food (and if that works for them, I think that's fine), but my body needs fuel due to low blood sugar issues every 3-4 hours.
This wasn't posted as a one size fits all, merely posted to share with anyone interested in how it works for some.
Thanks for reading,:flowerforyou:
Hearts
Edited to add:
I do agree a calorie is a calorie and someone could lose weight on junk food (so I'm with you in that camp) but for myself that would never work, I'd feel sluggish and not healthy with too many simple carbs but that has more to do with how my body works.
Just a note... I didn't post this article to start issues with anyone, I'm certainly no expert on this, but I am someone this holds true for and it's helped me understand abit more about my body and how some foods fit better than others in my day.
This article may fit for some but not for others.. that would be up to them to learn more about.
Have a great evening All!:happy:
Edit 2:
Just another quick note, I wrote the above edit before I read the responses below mine, so my edit isn't necessarily a response to those posts...off to read them now. :blushing:
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I know you asked the OP ... but since I believe you already know the answer to this, I'll answer the question.Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.
Anytime your body gets low on glucose, that same glycogen that was previously stored from circulating excess glucose is converted (with the thanks of the liver) back into glucose and released into our system to fuel our cellular respiration. Shortly after the liver releases glucose the pancreas will release insulin to assist said glucose into our cells.
The beauty of this for most people is the fact that even if you're only eating once or twice a day with 16 hours break in between, the body's on homeostatic properties keep things well balanced... AND because of low circulating glucose and lower insulin levels throughout the day, it actually IMPROVES insulin sensitivity.
When you decide to eat, even if you consume a days worth of calories in one meal, the glucose that's generated from your carbohydrate intake continues to fuel cellular respiration, and excess is first be used to replenish glycogen stores, and as long as you didn't over-consume (in terms of caloric intake) there should be no excess glucose.
Unless you are susceptible to true hypoglycaemia, (where the liver doesn't release enough from glycogen stores to raise glucose to a healthy level) or a severe, un-controlled Type II diabetic (these people often have too MUCH glucose released into their system by their liver during fasting, again well-over a healthy level) then any kind of intermittent fasting program can actually be quite beneficial.0 -
Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.
Hi Chris,
I don't have it down, I only wish I did, it's something ongoing as a diabetic I work on constantly to understand my body better. What works for some might not work for another, I merely posted this for others that had asked me about it and the article I read. I think some can go for long periods of time with no food (and if that works for them, I think that's fine), but my body needs fuel due to low blood sugar issues every 3-4 hours.
This wasn't posted as a one size fits all, merely posted to share with anyone interested in how it works for some.
Thanks for reading,:flowerforyou:
Hearts
I understood your intent, and love your generous and obviously caring outlook. I wasn't calling you out to make any sort of example, I just wanted to give you an avenue of research to look into for yourself. The answer is it increases insulin sensitivity, and helps your body relearn to work with normal blood sugar levels (and by normal I mean not having a continuously stable bsl).
I have many friends who had low blood sugar issues. Every single one of them who began working their way into full intermittent fasting (14-16hrs without food, 8-10hrs with) overcame them.
Anyhow, as I said, it was just an avenue of research for you to look into. I think if you actually do, you'll be very surprised
. 0 -
I know you asked the OP ... but since I believe you already know the answer to this, I'll answer the question.Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.
Anytime your body gets low on glucose, that same glycogen that was previously stored from circulating excess glucose is converted (with the thanks of the liver) back into glucose and released into our system to fuel our cellular respiration. Shortly after the liver releases glucose the pancreas will release insulin to assist said glucose into our cells.
The beauty of this for most people is the fact that even if you're only eating once or twice a day with 16 hours break in between, the body's on homeostatic properties keep things well balanced... AND because of low circulating glucose and lower insulin levels throughout the day, it actually IMPROVES insulin sensitivity.
When you decide to eat, even if you consume a days worth of calories in one meal, the glucose that's generated from your carbohydrate intake continues to fuel cellular respiration, and excess is first be used to replenish glycogen stores, and as long as you didn't over-consume (in terms of caloric intake) there should be no excess glucose.
Unless you are susceptible to true hypoglycaemia, (where the liver doesn't release enough from glycogen stores to raise glucose to a healthy level) or a severe, un-controlled Type II diabetic (these people often have too MUCH glucose released into their system by their liver during fasting, again well-over a healthy level) then any kind of intermittent fasting program can actually be quite beneficial.
Absolutely!0 -
Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.
Hi Chris,
I don't have it down, I only wish I did, it's something ongoing as a diabetic I work on constantly to understand my body better. What works for some might not work for another, I merely posted this for others that had asked me about it and the article I read. I think some can go for long periods of time with no food (and if that works for them, I think that's fine), but my body needs fuel due to low blood sugar issues every 3-4 hours.
This wasn't posted as a one size fits all, merely posted to share with anyone interested in how it works for some.
Thanks for reading,:flowerforyou:
Hearts
I understood your intent, and love your generous and obviously caring outlook. I wasn't calling you out to make any sort of example, I just wanted to give you an avenue of research to look into for yourself. The answer is it increases insulin sensitivity, and helps your body relearn to work with normal blood sugar levels (and by normal I mean not having a continuously stable bsl).
I have many friends who had low blood sugar issues. Every single one of them who began working their way into full intermittent fasting (14-16hrs without food, 8-10hrs with) overcame them.
Anyhow, as I said, it was just an avenue of research for you to look into. I think if you actually do, you'll be very surprised.
Actually that would be detrimental to a diabetic. They are already undergoing unregulated gluconeogenesis; the last thing they need to do is release a boatload of cortisol to drive their liver further into glucose over-production.
Hyperglycemia =/= IR =/= T2D =/= T1D0 -
Bump0
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Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.
Hi Chris,
I don't have it down, I only wish I did, it's something ongoing as a diabetic I work on constantly to understand my body better. What works for some might not work for another, I merely posted this for others that had asked me about it and the article I read. I think some can go for long periods of time with no food (and if that works for them, I think that's fine), but my body needs fuel due to low blood sugar issues every 3-4 hours.
This wasn't posted as a one size fits all, merely posted to share with anyone interested in how it works for some.
Thanks for reading,:flowerforyou:
Hearts
I understood your intent, and love your generous and obviously caring outlook. I wasn't calling you out to make any sort of example, I just wanted to give you an avenue of research to look into for yourself. The answer is it increases insulin sensitivity, and helps your body relearn to work with normal blood sugar levels (and by normal I mean not having a continuously stable bsl).
I have many friends who had low blood sugar issues. Every single one of them who began working their way into full intermittent fasting (14-16hrs without food, 8-10hrs with) overcame them.
Anyhow, as I said, it was just an avenue of research for you to look into. I think if you actually do, you'll be very surprised.
Actually that would be detrimental to a diabetic. They are already undergoing unregulated gluconeogenesis; the last thing they need to do is release a boatload of cortisol to drive their liver further into glucose over-production.
Hyperglycemia =/= IR =/= T2D =/= T1D
I understand that she is diabetic...I was posting this as an avenue of research for her, not as something to practice herself. 0 -
I've yet to see anyone NOT improve their insulin-sensitivity when engaging in exercise, even when they maintained the same diet, increased caloric intake, and lost no weight. (Why anyone would do this is beyond me, but I've seen it...)It would be really, REALLY hard to induce insulin resistance while exercising. Insulin resistance is not just an artifact of diet. I study insulin resistance at GREAT depth and even inducing appreciable weight gain in humans or mice with a 45% fat hypercaloric diet is a challenge, let alone full-blown insulin resistance. That term gets thrown around a lot.
The biggest improvements in insulin-resistance come from two primary sources: Reduction in adipose tissue (body fat), especially visceral adipose tissue, and the addition of regular exercise.
While diet has a role in it - and certainly reducing both serum glucose and insulin levels helps, most research I've seen would suggest the biggest improvements come not just from the diet, but the combined results of the diet and exercise.
HIIT (high-intensity-interval-training) is clearly showing the most potential of all exercises in improving insulin-sensitivity, even in healthy test subjects, but especially in those with diagnosed Type II diabetes. The research is clear on that. And performing in-depth analysis on my favorite lab-rat (that being "me") I've confirmed it in my own case as well.0 -
I've yet to see anyone NOT improve their insulin-sensitivity when engaging in exercise, even when they maintained the same diet, increased caloric intake, and lost no weight. (Why anyone would do this is beyond me, but I've seen it...)It would be really, REALLY hard to induce insulin resistance while exercising. Insulin resistance is not just an artifact of diet. I study insulin resistance at GREAT depth and even inducing appreciable weight gain in humans or mice with a 45% fat hypercaloric diet is a challenge, let alone full-blown insulin resistance. That term gets thrown around a lot.
The biggest improvements in insulin-resistance come from two primary sources: Reduction in adipose tissue (body fat), especially visceral adipose tissue, and the addition of regular exercise.
While diet has a role in it - and certainly reducing both serum glucose and insulin levels helps, most research I've seen would suggest the biggest improvements come not just from the diet, but the combined results of the diet and exercise.
HIIT (high-intensity-interval-training) is clearly showing the most potential of all exercises in improving insulin-sensitivity, even in healthy test subjects, but especially in those with diagnosed Type II diabetes. The research is clear on that. And performing in-depth analysis on my favorite lab-rat (that being "me") I've confirmed it in my own case as well.
Yes, I said it would be incredibly hard to induce insulin resistance...as in initiate it...while exercising.0 -
Boy is it. It's one of the many things I personally tried. Fasting with severe Type II diabetes = ridiculous liver dumps. I've got logs of my personal readings as I learned to control my D that would blow your mind.Actually that would be detrimental to a diabetic. They are already undergoing unregulated gluconeogenesis; the last thing they need to do is release a boatload of cortisol to drive their liver further into glucose over-production.
What really surprised me is what happened when I tried to exercise post-fast (ie: in the morning before breakfast). Instead of utilizing the circulating glucose for the activity, I continued to have greater and greater levels released into my circulatory system. It only worsened as I increased the intensity. I tried this on multiple occasions and stopped each time at a blood glucose level nearly 300mg/dl (about 16.6mmol/L for any non-Americans.)
Now that I've learned to control it (no insulin, diet and exercise only) even while exercising my CGMS shows me max at about 130mg/dl (about 7.2mmol/L) and I'll get slightly under 70mg/dl (3.9mmol/L) when my liver decides to pump me back up.0 -
songbyrdsweet & Chris, thanks to you both for breaking it down. I'm always open to learning more about health and how our bodies work.
Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.
Hi Chris,
I don't have it down, I only wish I did, it's something ongoing as a diabetic I work on constantly to understand my body better. What works for some might not work for another, I merely posted this for others that had asked me about it and the article I read. I think some can go for long periods of time with no food (and if that works for them, I think that's fine), but my body needs fuel due to low blood sugar issues every 3-4 hours.
This wasn't posted as a one size fits all, merely posted to share with anyone interested in how it works for some.
Thanks for reading,:flowerforyou:
Hearts
I understood your intent, and love your generous and obviously caring outlook. I wasn't calling you out to make any sort of example, I just wanted to give you an avenue of research to look into for yourself. The answer is it increases insulin sensitivity, and helps your body relearn to work with normal blood sugar levels (and by normal I mean not having a continuously stable bsl).
I have many friends who had low blood sugar issues. Every single one of them who began working their way into full intermittent fasting (14-16hrs without food, 8-10hrs with) overcame them.
Anyhow, as I said, it was just an avenue of research for you to look into. I think if you actually do, you'll be very surprised.
Actually that would be detrimental to a diabetic. They are already undergoing unregulated gluconeogenesis; the last thing they need to do is release a boatload of cortisol to drive their liver further into glucose over-production.
Hyperglycemia =/= IR =/= T2D =/= T1D
I understand that she is diabetic...I was posting this as an avenue of research for her, not as something to practice herself.
I absolutely agree! Exercise is the way to go for Type 2's (since that's what I am, I can only speak to that), it's what helps me keep my numbers down and keep my energy and mood up.
**songbyrdsweet - so very nice to see you on the boards, I've missed your informative posts!!
**Chris - again thanks for your kind input and that of others looking to help out!:flowerforyou:
**albertabeefy - I've happy you no longer need meds & can now rely only on diet and exercise, what a world of difference being able to get off the meds is. I too no longer need any after changing up my diet and adding more exercise.:drinker:
Very good advice!! I'm glad that's helped you that seems to be what's helped me most as well. It's really quite simple, not easy but a simple equation.
Don't take your pancreas for granted people! Eat healthy, exercise, and be grateful. <<<--- so far that's helped my blood sugars become more stable and I've been In great moods. 0 -
I know, I was just agreeing.Yes, I said it would be incredibly hard to induce insulin resistance...as in initiate it...while exercising.
I'm wordy.0 -
I struggle everyday on the blood sugar roller coaster as I am a type 1 diabetic. I do what I can with diet and exercise but unfortunately I am insulin dependent. I have to count carbs, plan meals, and make sure my exercise does not bring my blood sugar too low. I also make sure I take enough insulin but not too much. Losing weight for me has been extremely difficult. Don't take your pancreas for granted people! Eat healthy, exercise, and be grateful. <<<--- so far that's helped my blood sugars become more stable and I've been In great moods. 0
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Boy is it. It's one of the many things I personally tried. Fasting with severe Type II diabetes = ridiculous liver dumps. I've got logs of my personal readings as I learned to control my D that would blow your mind.Actually that would be detrimental to a diabetic. They are already undergoing unregulated gluconeogenesis; the last thing they need to do is release a boatload of cortisol to drive their liver further into glucose over-production.
What really surprised me is what happened when I tried to exercise post-fast (ie: in the morning before breakfast). Instead of utilizing the circulating glucose for the activity, I continued to have greater and greater levels released into my circulatory system. It only worsened as I increased the intensity. I tried this on multiple occasions and stopped each time at a blood glucose level nearly 300mg/dl (about 16.6mmol/L for any non-Americans.)
Now that I've learned to control it (no insulin, diet and exercise only) even while exercising my CGMS shows me max at about 130mg/dl (about 7.2mmol/L) and I'll get slightly under 70mg/dl (3.9mmol/L) when my liver decides to pump me back up.
Yep, the exercise increases epinephrine which causes your liver to produce even more glucose. Regardless of the amount of insulin you'd produce, your cells wouldn't be able to take it up. Those are some really high BG levels you experienced. I'm very impressed you've controlled it with diet and exercise! Congratulations. 0 -
Those weren't high at all at time of my diagnosis. My HbA1c was 12.2% (normal is 4.6 to 5.4%), my "average" BG was near the 300mg/dl mark. Stress and carbohydrates only made it worse.Yep, the exercise increases epinephrine which causes your liver to produce even more glucose. Regardless of the amount of insulin you'd produce, your cells wouldn't be able to take it up. Those are some really high BG levels you experienced. I'm very impressed you've controlled it with diet and exercise! Congratulations.
At diagnosis I was referred immediately to an endocrinologist who told me that at my levels, I would likely be on insulin for life.
Stubborn Scotsman that I am (OK, I'm Canadian, but ... you know what I mean) I decided to bury myself in research and try to do this without.
Unfortunately, unlike you young folk ... ... for me biochem was last looked at in 1986. So I had MUCH to learn. 0 -
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Nice post.
Clearly fluctuating blood sugar levels won't be an issue for some people. However, for others it is very important information.
Given a third or so of Americans are thought to be diabetic / pre diabetic / metabolic syndrome then it is pertinent for a large number of people.
Thanks for putting it out there.0 -
I am a type 2 Diabetic, just grit your teeth and go on a low carb diet, it sorts out the blood sugar problem and a few others on the way.0
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Now...to the OP, since you've got this blood sugar/insulin thing down. Please explain to us how doing nothing more than skipping breakfast (eating lunch around 1pm, and dinner no later than 8pm)...which gives you about 16hrs with no food in your body...affects the statements in your above post.
If you suffer from a metabolic disorder (diabeties, insulin resistance) calories arent all equal, atleast not for me
From personal experience (and being insulin resistant due to pcos), I collapse/faint if i dont eat until 1pm (same goes if i eat cereal i end up on the floor too cause of the sugar drop). I even failed a fast for charity although that was before i was diagnosed.
I would say you are lucky if you can live without breakfast.0
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