Maintaining correct blood sugar levels has an impact on overall health. Diabetes is arguably the most well-known condition that necessitates regular blood sugar monitoring. It is not the only health issue that has an impact on blood sugar levels. Patients who focus on maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels may prevent several health concerns and perform better in managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
Blood sugar management focuses on glucose, the major sugar present in the blood. Dr. Dana Cohen often stresses the significance of nutrition with her patients. People's diets are what cause glucose to be produced in the body. The body absorbs glucose from the food absorbed during digestion. The pancreas turns carbs and protein into insulin, which is then released throughout the body. Excess glucose is received and processed by the liver. If necessary, the pancreas converts glucose to glucagon to assist elevate blood sugar levels.
Insulin acts to give nutrition to the body's neurological system, muscles, and organs. A healthy physique and food allow the body to automatically maintain these levels. If the body is not in good condition, or if people eat too many carbohydrates or too little nutrients, the pancreas may struggle to maintain a normal glucose balance in the body.
Light-headedness, irritability, or shaky feeling between meals
Feeling faint, weak and/or lightheaded, especially when standing up
Nervousness, anxiety
Sweating, trembling
Waking in the middle of the night
Heart palpitations
Nausea in the morning
Cognitive dysfunction
Crave sweets after meals
Fatigue/sleepy/siesta after meals
Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
Waist is just as wide as, or wider than, your hips
Eating sweets does not relieve sugar cravings
High cholesterol levels
Elevated blood pressure
Not Enough Exercise: To enable activity, the muscles transform glucose into energy. The amount of glucose the body burns will decline if you don't exercise sufficiently. Blood sugar levels can rise sharply over time with a sedentary lifestyle. Fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and other symptoms are all possible indicators of high blood sugar.
Illness: Blood sugar levels can be impacted by illness in a number of ways. Those who are ill might eat less or in a different way. Blood sugar levels can be lowered or raised by some drugs. The body's hormone levels could alter. Pain and illnesses may make it difficult to sleep, which can increase cortisol levels, other stress hormone levels, and blood sugar levels.
Alcohol: Alcohol must be metabolized by the liver in order to go through the body. While the liver is digesting alcohol, it is too busy to convert sugar as it should. Because of this, blood sugar levels may fall for several hours or even up to 24 hours after drinking.
Hormonal Changes: The fluctuation of blood sugar levels can be brought on by menstruation, menopause, and other hormonal changes. Stressful times also have an impact on hormone levels and the body's capacity to control blood sugar levels.
Diet: Consuming foods high in carbohydrates might result in excess glucose remaining in the blood because the body is unable to fully burn it off. Blood sugar levels may fall as a result of crash diets that significantly limit carbohydrate intake.
Dr. Cohen works with her blood sugar issue patients to reduce their diet of sweets and processed carbs while increasing their intake of lean proteins, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Dr. Cohen may also offer a series of supplements, including a multivitamin, vitamin D, and fish oil, based on everyone’s need.
Furthermore, Dr. Cohen feels that appropriate stress management and frequent exercise can alleviate many of the difficulties connected with blood sugar imbalances. She collaborates with each patient to develop a wellness plan that may include meditation and relaxation techniques, as well as an activity goal of at least 30 minutes of exercise 4-6 days per week.
Please contact Dr. Dana Cohen today!