The word “blood sugar” is used in many ways. It can be used as a noun, a verb, and an adjective. Blood sugar is also known as blood glucose or blood glucose level. In this article, we will discuss blood sugar as a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Blood sugar is the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a simple sugar that is produced by the liver and stored in the body’s cells. When the body needs energy it breaks down stored glucose. The glucose is released into the blood stream.
In healthy individuals, the blood glucose levels are regulated by the pancreas and liver. If the blood glucose levels are too high, insulin is released by the pancreas to lower the blood glucose levels. If the blood glucose levels drop too low, glucagon is released by the pancreases to raise the blood glucose levels.
In individuals with diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to regulate the blood glucose levels. The liver produces excess glucose. This excess glucose is converted into fat and stored in the body. As the body stores more fat, the blood glucose levels rise even higher.
The increase in blood glucose levels can cause many health problems. Some of these problems include:
- o Insulin resistance – occurs when the body does not respond to the insulin produced by the pancreas.
- o Hyperinsulinemia – occurs when the pancreas produces too much insulin.
- o Hyperglycemia – occurs when the blood glucose levels are too much.
- o Hypoglycemia – occurs when the body does respond to the insulin produced by pancreas but the blood glucose levels are too low.
There are many factors that affect the blood glucose levels. These factors include:
- o Diet – The type of food you eat can affect your blood glucose levels. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as breads, pasta and potatoes, cause the blood glucose levels to rise. Foods that are high in protein, such as meat and dairy products, cause the blood glucose levels drop.
- o Physical activity – Regular physical activity can lower the blood glucose levels.
- o Stress – Stress can cause the blood glucose levels to drop.
- o Sleep – Lack of sleep can cause the blood glucose levels drop
- o Alcohol – Alcohol can cause the blood glucose levels rise
- o Smoking – Smoking can cause the blood glucose levels increase
- o Medications – Certain medications can cause the blood glucose levels decrease.
- o Illness – Any illness can cause the blood glucose levels fluctuate.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may have a lot of questions about the disease. You should talk to your doctor about your concerns. He or she can answer any questions that you may have.