Post Time: 2025-07-26
When we think of sugar cravings, most people immediately associate them with high blood sugar levels. However, what's often overlooked is that low blood sugar can also trigger intense desires for sweet treats. This may seem counterintuitive, but the body has a way of sending us signals when our energy stores are running low.
In fact, research suggests that even mild hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can stimulate the brain to release neurotransmitters associated with food craving and reward processing. The result? A strong urge to consume sugary foods or drinks to quickly restore depleted energy levels. But what exactly is happening in our bodies when we experience low blood sugar, and how does it lead to these intense cravings?
The Body's Response: From Low Blood Sugar to Insulin Imbalance
When our blood glucose (sugar) levels drop below a certain threshold, the pancreas releases hormones like glucagon to signal the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose. This process is known as gluconeogenesis and helps restore normal blood sugar levels. However, if this natural response becomes imbalanced due to factors such as insulin resistance or hormonal changes, it can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar that trigger cravings for quick energy sources.
For example, someone with type 2 diabetes may experience recurring episodes of low blood sugar throughout the day. Their body might respond by triggering an intense desire for simple carbohydrates like sugary snacks or refined grains, even if their diet is otherwise balanced and healthy. This cycle can perpetuate a vicious loop: constant snacking leads to weight gain, insulin resistance worsens over time, and so on.
Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Ranges
To grasp the link between low blood sugar and sugar cravings better, let's quickly examine what constitutes normal blood glucose levels for adults without diabetes (fasting plasma glucose range of 70-99 mg/dL). When these ranges are disrupted due to factors like medication side effects or hormonal imbalances during pregnancy or menopause, it can lead to fluctuations in energy and nutrient availability that trigger cravings.
In some cases, individuals with non-diabetic hypoglycemia (NDDH) may experience blood sugar levels as low as 40 mg/dL without any apparent symptoms. The body becomes accustomed to running on lower-than-normal glucose stores due to frequent drops in blood sugar, ultimately resulting in a perpetual craving for quick energy sources – like refined carbohydrates or sugary treats.
Diet and Exercise: Rebalancing Blood Sugar
Now that we understand the mechanisms behind low blood sugar-induced cravings, it's essential to focus on dietary habits and physical activity as tools for regulating blood glucose levels. Foods rich in fiber, vitamins B3 (niacin), C (ascorbic acid), E (tocopherol) can improve insulin sensitivity while also reducing inflammation and promoting a balanced gut microbiome.
The American Diabetes Association recommends aiming for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week to regulate blood sugar levels. Resistance training exercises targeting major muscle groups at least twice weekly have been shown to enhance glucose uptake in skeletal muscles, helping maintain healthy blood glucose ranges.
In addition, some supplements like berberine and chromium picolinate may also help support healthy insulin signaling pathways while reducing inflammation – potentially alleviating the driving forces behind sugar cravings linked to low blood sugar fluctuations.
Thanks to Levels for sponsoring this video. To get started, go to and get 2 additional months free on the annual Levels membership. A couple of months ago, I used my non-prescription CGM from Levels to see how plain popcorn would affect my blood sugar level. The result was very poor. It shot my blood sugar straight up and just as quickly dropped the level to a point lower than my starting point. Sharing this result spurred a lot of questions about buttered popcorn. Since butter is pure fat, (which is a nutrient that does not spike blood sugar), would adding butter to the popcorn make it a better snack for blood sugar control? Well, I ran the test. It should be better, right? It was not what I expected. Here are the results. Details on costs and non-prescription Levels CGMs: **************** Get Dr. Becky's books on Amazon or your favorite foods to raise low blood sugar retailer: Zero Sugar / One Month: Intermittent Fasting Diet Guide and Cookbook: Get started with Dr. Becky for free: Learn her 0,1,2,3 Strategy (a.k.a. 4 Daily Habits for Weight Loss): Are you up for the challenge? Take our 21-Day LOW-CARB or KETO Challenge: Reach your goal by joining Dr. Becky's Freedom 40-Day Diet Reset: Get Dr. Becky's Cookbooks: Facebook: @drbeckyfitness Instagram: @drbeckyfitness Twitter: @drbeckyfitness Pinterest: @drbeckyfitness Dr. Becky's 2nd YouTube Channel: 2 Fit Docs Links to the studies mentioned in my videos can be found on my blog by typing the video name into the search: ************ Disclaimer: Dr. Becky Gillaspy, DC received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1991. Her use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to herself solely refers to that degree. 418 blood sugar Dr. Gillaspy was a licensed chiropractor in Pennsylvania, but she no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Gillaspy and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Dr Becky Fitness LLC and Dr. Rebecca Gillaspy, D.C. are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of blood sugar at 12 treatment, diagnosis or any conclusions drawn, services or product you obtain through this video or site.