It's not just what we eat: stress, sleep and muscle also influence our glucose

Over the years I have learned that there are other factors (apart from the typical ones) that can cause glucose to behave very differently... even if we eat exactly the same thing.

Surely more than one has experienced it.Those days when you have a lot of stress at work, you sleep poorly or you haven't exercised for several weeks and, suddenly, your blood sugar seems to have a life of its own.It's not a coincidence.

Stress causes our body to release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, preparing us for an "alert" situation.It is a very useful biological response for our ancestors, but today it can translate into higher glucose levels for hours or even days.

Lack of sleep also takes its toll.Lack of rest alters insulin sensitivity, modifies hormones related to appetite and makes it much more difficult to maintain good glycemic control.I'm sure many of you have noticed that, after a bad night, everything seems to cost a little more.

And there is another great ally that perhaps we don't talk about enough: muscle.

Muscle mass consumes glucose for energy and, in addition, can capture part of that glucose even without completely depending on insulin.That is why maintaining good muscles, with strength exercise adapted to each person, not only improves physical condition, but also metabolism.

Another aspect that I found interesting is the message about the famous "glucose spikes."On social networks we see more and more people without diabetes obsessed with avoiding any increase in glucose, even using continuous sensors.However, specialists remember that these variations are completely normal in healthy people and that chasing a "perfect" glucose can end up generating unnecessary dietary restrictions and even anxiety.

They also debunk some myths about supplements such as cinnamon, berberine or chromium picolinate.Although they are often presented as near-miraculous solutions, there is still insufficient scientific evidence to recommend them as a treatment for insulin resistance or prediabetes.What continues to show better results is something much less striking: a balanced diet, regular physical activity, good rest and reducing stress as much as possible.

In the end, controlling diabetes is not just about counting carbohydrates.It is taking care of a set of habits that, added day after day, can make an enormous difference.

Have you ever noticed that stress or a bad night's sleep raises your glucose levels, even without changing your food?

And what works best for you to regain control?

Greetings,

Everything is very good.But from saying to doing it goes a long way and it happens that the rule does not apply to everyone, at least not to the same extent.

There are those who, for whatever reason, have reduced or very reduced mobility, which makes physical activity difficult.

There are those who have personal, family, economic, health problems... that generate anxiety and even depression, and the associated stress is unlikely to be moderated in such conditions.

As for food, you have to be careful not to go over budget, apart from the effort involved in adapting.

It is as if diabetes were a disease for the rich, because the barriers to overcome are many and with a low standard of living it is difficult.

Those who do not suffer from it cannot have an idea.I am referring to insulin-dependent diabetes above all, and even more so when it appears at an advanced age.