Woman Code - Blood Sugar Group

26 million Americans suffer from diabetes. Those diagnosed either have too little glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream (Type 1: Hypoglycemic) or too much (Type 2: Hyperglycemic). The pancreas, liver, and brain are responsible for stabilizing the body’s blood sugar levels. Blood sugar is the body’s main source of energy. 

The pancreas is a six inch long organ that is tucked behind the stomach. It produces digestive enzymes to help the stomach break down macronutrients from the carbs and proteins that are ingested.The pancreas also supports specific hormones that regulate blood sugar levels known as insulin.

When someone has low blood sugar levels, the body will feel shaky and weak. They may feel a surge in hunger, dizziness, and sometimes a fast heartbeat. Their body cannot produce enough insulin to regulate it, so the pancreas will release as much insulin from the beta cells that it has when sugar levels are low. 

When their blood sugar is high a person may be very thirsty and have a dry mouth. Headaches and blurred vision are common symptoms. Another symptom is having to pee frequently, because the body isn’t burning enough energy to be able to absorb as much water, due to the increase in glucose. This can lead to them feeling very lethargic or fatigued. Since the sugar is passing through the urine, it can cause a recurrent yeast and candida related infections such as Thrush, UTI, and Vaginal Yeast overgrowth.

The Liver, located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen is in charge of converting stored glucose (sugar) into glycogen, and pushes it back into the bloodstream. Glycogen is a form of energy that muscles like the heart, brain, and tissue rely on. The liver also breaks down estrogen in the body that has already been used, and removes it from the body through urine. When estrogen lingers in the bloodstream it piles up and disrupts the endocrine system’s natural cycle, as well as creates additional hormonal symptoms.

Knowing how to stabilize the levels is important because many are not aware that blood sugar imbalance is the number one underlying cause for hormonal problems. There are many ways to stay healthy, walking daily or making time for yoga/exercising, eating a blood sugar friendly diet, being mindful of what you put into your body by reading nutrition labels, and increasing water intake are fundamental ways of maintaining and absorbing your body’s needed sugars.