Blood sugar is a complex molecule. It has two components, glucose and insulin. Glucose is the fuel for the body. Insulin is the hormone that controls how much glucose is absorbed into the cells of the body. When blood sugar levels are too high, it is called hyperglycemia. When blood sugar levels are low, it is called hypoglycemia.
Blood sugar levels are constantly changing in our bodies. They rise and fall throughout the day. When we eat food, the food gets broken down into glucose and other simple sugars. Glucose is then absorbed into the blood stream. When we exercise, the muscles use the glucose as fuel. As the glucose is used up, the blood sugar level falls. If the blood sugar level drops too far, the pancreas produces more insulin to help bring the blood sugar level back up.
When blood sugar levels are too high (hyperglycemia), they can lead to many different health problems. High blood sugar can cause diabetes, which is a condition where the body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. Diabetes can be very serious and may lead to blindness, heart disease, kidney disease, and amputations.
High blood sugar can also lead to an increase in cholesterol levels and triglycerides. These fats can clog your arteries and cause heart disease. The higher the blood sugar level, the more likely it is that you will develop heart disease.
High blood sugar levels can also damage the nerves and brain. The nerves are very sensitive to changes in blood sugar levels. When the blood sugar level rises, the nerves become very sensitive to any changes. This can lead to many problems including vision loss, numbness, and seizures.
Hypoglycemia is the opposite of hyperglycemia. When the blood sugar level is too low, it can cause many different health problems. Hypoglycemia can lead to confusion, memory loss, mood swings, fatigue, hunger, and even seizures. It is very important to maintain a proper balance between the amount of insulin and the amount of glucose in the blood.
If you have diabetes, it is very important to keep your blood sugar level in check. You need to know what foods affect your blood sugar level and what foods will help control it. You need to learn how to take care of yourself and prevent complications from developing.
