Understanding Blood Sugar: Factors & Health Implications

Blood sugar levels are dependent on a combination of diet, exercise and insulin levels in the body. Extremely high, or extremely low blood sugar can result in health problems and should be avoided when possible.

Diet

• A lack of food can result in low blood glucose levels, as the body uses up sugar in the blood. Excessive sugar in the diet results in high blood glucose levels, until the body processes the additional sugar.

Exercise

• Exercise lowers blood sugar temporarily, since the body uses sugar in the bloodstream for energy.

Insulin

• Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas to usher sugar into the cells. As insulin takes sugar from the bloodstream, blood sugar levels drop.

Risks

• Diabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are consistently high, may be treated with insulin to bring blood glucose levels down. Excessive insulin can result in hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar.

Considerations

• It is possible to control blood sugar levels in many people with a combination of eating a balanced diet low in sugar and refined bread products, and moderate exercise, under a physician's supervision.