Author: Amy Cottrell (DipCNM, mBANT, rCNHC, mANP)

The blood sugar roller coaster of life, we’ve all been there. We’ve satisfied our cravings by eating some sugary treats. We experience a peak of energy, but it is short-lived, and our energy and focus levels drop. Then we feel groggy again and want more to give us another boost.

If we occasionally splurge on sugar, our body has mechanisms to help balance and manage our blood sugar levels to keep them healthy. However, suppose our blood sugar levels constantly fluctuate and aren’t well-managed over an extended period. In that case, it can negatively impact our long-term metabolic health and even lead to chronic conditions, such as diabetes Type 2 (a).

How does our body manage our blood sugar levels, and why is it important?

When we eat, the body breaks down our food into energy (glucose) for the body to use or store. The glucose is then released into the bloodstream and transported to our cells. Insulin released from the pancreas plays a pivotal role in moving this glucose into our cells for use. This mechanism ensures our blood sugar levels remain stable.

The body likes to maintain a state of homeostasis (where certain biological variables remain at “pre-set” levels that the body will strive to maintain). The body wants to maintain a certain blood glucose concentration in blood sugar management. Fluctuations in blood glucose are referred to as something called “Glucose Variability” (b).

Glucose variability is a natural part of the body’s responses. For example, after a meal or during certain parts of our circadian rhythm, our blood glucose levels will rise, and our body has mechanisms to keep them at their “happy” level. Problems start to arise when this glucose variability becomes more pronounced when blood sugars become too high and too low over an extended period, which puts strain on the body’s systems to maintain homeostasis.

The pancreas releases additional insulin to get the sugar into the cells to cope with the excess glucose in the blood. However, there comes the point when the cells stop responding to the insulin efficiently, and something called “insulin resistance” can develop (c). Over time, insulin resistance can mean too much glucose in the blood (when it should be in the cells), which can lead to metabolic issues, and even diabetes Type 2, a chronic condition characterised by the body’s inability to manage blood sugar levels successfully.

Do you keep getting on the blood sugar rollercoaster?

There might be some signs and symptoms that your blood sugar levels might be out of whack:

• Tiredness/fatigue, especially after eating or in the afternoon
• Fluctuating energy levels
• Need to reach for caffeine or sugar to get through the day
• Cravings for carbohydrates and sweet things in general
• Waking in the middle of the night
• Weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area
• Headaches
• Irritability and mood swings

Excessive thirst, blurred vision, and urinating more often than usual can also be signs of mismanaged blood sugar levels. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to go to your doctor to have your blood sugar levels checked.

How do we measure how well we are managing our blood glucose?

The most common way our doctors measure our blood glucose management is via a test called HbA1C (also called “glycated haemoglobin”), which measures average blood sugar levels over the previous two-three months. There are concerns that these tests aren’t necessarily the best way to identify issues early, especially as your blood glucose levels might appear “normal” in the early stage of insulin resistance (d).

In recent years, devices called “continuous glucose monitors” have come onto the market and provided us with a way to measure our individualised response to glucose, a crucial part of a “personalised medicine” approach. If you are interested in discovering more about these devices, click here for an example.

Our genetics also play a role in our blood sugar management and put the “personalised” in to “personalised medicine” approach. At DNApal, we look at a number of genes linked with metabolism. For example, the TCF7L2 gene is linked explicitly to insulin secretion. We can identify if you are in the 20% of the population naturally predisposed to lower insulin secretion and, unfortunately, more susceptible to metabolic complications and chronic conditions such as diabetes Type 2 (e).

Don’t worry if you are; your genes are not your destiny. Look out for the next two articles in this series, where we will delve deeper into what causes blood sugar highs and lows and share some tips to get you off the sugar rollercoaster and onto the level ground.

Order your DNA test today to find out if you are predisposed to lower insulin secretion and discover other important information about your metabolism to take control of your health.

Feel free to leave us a comment if you have any further questions.

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