Post Time: 2025-07-26
Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health, and knowing what constitutes a healthy range can be confusing. The ideal blood sugar level varies depending on several factors such as age, sex, and whether one has diabetes or not.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the following ranges:
- Less than 140 mg/dL after an overnight fast
- Less than 180 mg/dL two hours after a meal
However, these numbers can be misleading. What's more important is how your body responds to food and other stimuli throughout the day.
The Science Behind Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Insulin sensitivity plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance occurs when cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to increased glucose production by the liver and poor glycemic control. Studies have shown that people with insulin resistance are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
To illustrate this concept further, consider a recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that individuals with high levels of visceral fat (around their organs) were at an increased risk for developing insulin resistance and related metabolic issues. Maintaining healthy body weight through diet and exercise is crucial to improve overall glucose metabolism.
Dietary Impact on Blood Sugar Levels
Food choices can significantly affect blood sugar control. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fiber, particularly from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps manage postprandial (after-meal) spikes. A 2017 meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that eating at least three servings of fruit per day was associated with lower fasting blood glucose levels.
On the other hand, high glycemic index foods can cause rapid increases in blood sugar. Examples include white bread, baked potatoes, cornflakes and sweets such as ice cream and cakes.
Exercise's Role in Regulating Blood Sugar Levels
Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity by enhancing glucose uptake into muscles. A 2018 review published in the Journal of Diabetes Research found that moderate-to-vigorous exercise for at least 150 minutes per week significantly improved glycemic control.
Additionally, some studies suggest incorporating strength training exercises, as they can also contribute to weight loss and muscle mass gain – both key factors in regulating blood sugar levels.
Are you feeling woozy after eating blood sugar level 217 a meal? Perhaps, shaky, sweaty, lightheadedness or even dizzy? You may have reactive hypoglycemia which happens to people without diabetes. In this video, I discuss the treatment of reactive hypoglycemia and how we treat this. Therefore, it is important to know the triggers that can cause Reactive Hypoglycemia so that what if your blood sugar is low you can treat it the right way. Just making the changes suggested here can eliminate all of these terrible symptoms. #reactivehypoglycemia #bloodsugars #hypoglycemia #thevoiceofdiabetes Timecodes: 00:00 Reactive Hypoglycemia 01:02 What is reactive hypoglycemia 01:35 Difference between hypoglycemia and reactive hypoglycemia 02:10 Symptoms of Reactive Hypoglycemia 02:40 Triggers of Reactive Hypoglycemia 03:45 Diagnosing reactive hpoglycemia 04:42 Treatment of Reactive Hypoglycemia Facebook: Instagram: thevoiceofdiabetes Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The information on this channel (The Voice of Diabetes) is provided as an information resource ONLY. It is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician (APRN) relationship, and should what are the symptoms when blood sugar is low not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. Diana Bytyqi, DNP, FNP-C, shall have no liability for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained on this site.