Blood Glucose Quotes

It is mainly the soluble fiber and magnesium that lowered the author's fasting pre-diabetes blood glucose to 90s and 100s without taking medication

What is Insulin? Insulin is a hormone that allows the glucose (also called blood sugar) in your blood to get out of your bloodstream and into your cells for energy for whatever your current activity or inactivity is. If you have more glucose in your bloodstream than your current energy need, the excess is stored in your liver (called glycogen in its storage form). If your liver is full and you still have excess glucose in your bloodstream, the rest is stored as body fat around your butt, thighs, belly—and generally every place you don’t want it to be. 

How do you control the amount of insulin your body produces?  You control the amount of glucose you put into your bloodstream. Put in less glucose, your body will produce less insulin, and you will lose weight. Put in more glucose, your body will produce more insulin, and you will gain weight. That brings us to the premise of this book: Control your blood glucose, and you control your weight.    Lower blood glucose, and you will lose weight. This is universal.  How do you lower your blood glucose? The answers are in Glucose Control Eating©.

What Foods Create Blood Glucose? Blood glucose is not created just by sweets—it’s created by all foods. Proteins create glucose, fats create glucose, vegetables create glucose, fruits create glucose, fruit juices create glucose, starchy foods create glucose, and of course, sweets create glucose. So the key to losing weight is to consume less of the foods (including drinks) that create large amounts of glucose and replace them with foods and beverages that create smaller amounts of glucose and go into the bloodstream more slowly.

The Premise of Glucose Control Eating© You control the amount of glucose you put into your bloodstream. Put in less glucose, your body will produce less insulin, and you will lose weight. Put in more glucose, your body will produce more insulin, and you will gain weight. That brings us to the premise of this book.   Control your glucose, and you control your weight.   How do you control your glucose and your weight?    How can you know which foods create lots of glucose and weight gain and which create less glucose and weight loss?   In the book, Glucose Control Eating©, I will not only tell you, but I will also show you, based on over 85,000 blood glucose tests, how much glucose different foods will create in your body.

Why Is It So Hard to Lose Weight? Body fat is hard to lose because the body automatically burns the easiest energy source first—blood glucose; when blood glucose gets too low, the body then uses the next easiest source of energy—glycogen in the liver—which converts back to glucose and goes into the bloodstream. Then and only then, after the liver is depleted of glycogen, does the body begin to use body fat. That is why body fat is so hard to get rid of. It’s the last source of energy used and is also a very stable molecule that is hard to break down.   You can gain weight easily simply by putting more glucose in your bloodstream than you need for your current activity or inactivity. But it’s harder to lose weight because body fat is the last source of energy your body uses. This is the very reason that you can gain weight quickly, but losing weight takes longer. 

What is the right order? It’s fiber first, protein and fat second, starches and sugars last.

Carbohydrates trigger insulin release from the pancreas, causing growth of visceral fat; visceral fat causes insulin resistance and inflammation. High blood sugars, triglycerides, and fatty acids damage the pancreas. After years of overwork, the pancreas succumbs to the thrashing it has taken from glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, and inflammation, essentially “burning out,” leaving a deficiency of insulin and an increase in blood glucose—diabetes.

Even though I seem not human, a mute shelf of glucose, bottled blood, machinery to swell the lung and pump the heart—even so, do not put out my life. Let me still glow.

Fructose molecules glycate things 10 times as fast as glucose, generating much more damage. Again, this is another reason why spikes from sugary foods such as cookies (which contain fructose) make us age faster than do spikes from starchy foods such as pasta (which doesn't).

If you’re going to eat something sweet or starchy, use your muscles afterward. Your muscles will happily uptake excess glucose as it arrives in your blood, and you’ll lessen the glucose spike, reduce the likelihood of weight gain, and avoid an energy slump.

failure of insulin to lower blood glucose is called insulin resistance.

Your body doesn’t process sugar differently whether it came from a sugar beet, an agave plant, or a mango. As soon as a fruit is denatured and processed and its fiber is extracted, it becomes sugar like any other sugar.

Another, related issue is that longevity itself, and healthspan in particular, doesn’t really fit into the business model of our current healthcare system. There are few insurance reimbursement codes for most of the largely preventive interventions that I believe are necessary to extend lifespan and healthspan. Health insurance companies won’t pay a doctor very much to tell a patient to change the way he eats, or to monitor his blood glucose levels in order to help prevent him from developing type 2 diabetes. Yet insurance will pay for this same patient’s (very expensive) insulin after he has been diagnosed. Similarly, there’s no billing code for putting a patient on a comprehensive exercise program designed to maintain her muscle mass and sense of balance while building her resistance to injury. But if she falls and breaks her hip, then her surgery and physical therapy will be covered. Nearly all the money flows to treatment rather than prevention—and when I say “prevention,” I mean prevention of human suffering.

Test Ideal level • fasting blood glucose less than 95 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) • fasting insulin below 8 µIU/ml (ideally, below 3) • hemoglobin A1C 4.8 to 5.4 percent • fructosamine 188 to 223 µmol/L • homocysteine 8µmol/L or less • vitamin D 80 ng/mL • C-reactive protein 0.00 to 3.0 mg/L • gluten sensitivity test with Cyrex array 3 test

TRY THIS: Think of your favorite veggie or salad. Prepare it with care, and eat it before every lunch and dinner for a week. Notice your cravings and whether they change.

Grab a tall glass of water (some people find that hot water is more soothing), and pour 1 tablespoon of vinegar into it. If you don’t like the taste, start with a teaspoon or even less, and build up to it. Grab a straw, down the drink either less than 20 minutes before, during the course of, or less than 20 minutes after eating the glucose-spiking food.

Strategies that relax and replenish can restore one’s reservoir of willpower and are thus helpful in ADHD. These strategies include: times of relaxation such as meditation, positive emotions, self-talk that is encouraging, time of play, physical exercise, adequate breaks, or even having a snack that increases blood glucose. Motivational strategies such imagery, or physical reminders of or talking about future rewards can also help.

A drink consisting of a tablespoon of vinegar in a tall glass of water, drunk a few minutes before eating something sweet, flattens the ensuing glucose and insulin spikes. With that, cravings are curbed, hunger is tamed, and more fat is burned.

if you eat the items of a meal containing starch, fibre, sugar, protein and fat in a specific order, you reduce your overall glucose spike by 73 per cent, as well as your insulin spike by 48 per cent. This is true for anyone, with or without diabetes. What is the right order? It’s fibre first, protein and fat second, starches and sugars last.

That means that a 150-gram serving of white rice or a small bowl of cornflakes will have the same effect on your blood glucose levels as nine teaspoons of sugar.

Numerous studies confirm that low blood glucose levels lead to impaired attention as well as to difficulties regulating emotions and behavior.

During calorie restriction and fasting, blood glucose and insulin levels decline precipitously.18 Lower insulin signaling decreases growth signaling but extends life span in several species of animals.19

Eating sugar in excess of what can be immediately burned causes it to be stored in the liver in the form of glucose (glycogen). Since the liver’s capacity is limited, a daily intake of refined sugar soon causes the liver to exceed its ability to store sugar, and the excess glycogen is returned to the blood in the form of fatty acids. These are taken to every part of the body and stored as fat in the most inactive areas: the belly, the buttocks, the breasts, and the thighs.

Insulin’s effects on calorie storage are so potent that we can consider it the ultimate fat cell fertilizer. For example, rats given insulin infusions developed low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), ate more, and gained weight. Even when their food was restricted to that of the control animals, they still became fatter.9 Conversely, mice genetically engineered to produce less insulin had healthier fat cells, burned off more calories, and resisted weight gain, even when given a diet that makes normal mice fat.10

Let’s say someone offers you a million dollars if you can immediately reduce your blood glucose to normal levels. A million dollars is pretty darn motivating, right? But can you reach this outcome immediately? Probably not. Motivation alone doesn’t get you there.

The main thing to bear in mind is that carbohydrate, upon being digested, is just more sugar – often quite a lot more. That means that a 150g serving of white rice or a small bowl of cornflakes will have the same effect on your blood glucose levels as nine teaspoons of sugar.

The main thing to bear in mind is that carbohydrate, upon being digested, is just more sugar – often quite a lot more. That means that a 150g serving of white rice or a small bowl of cornflakes will have the same effect on your blood glucose levels as nine teaspoons of sugar.14

If I could really love, I would take away these tubes dripping lipids and glucose into your blood. I would liquefy the things you love and flood them through your veins: our sleeping dogs' rhythmic breathing, huge orange trumpets of the amaryllis we thought would never bloom, the crunch of the gravel road coming home. If I could really love, I would climb onto your narrow back and wrap myself around, guarding like a ladybug, or Achilles' mighty shield.

When blood insulin levels are high, those same fat cells store not only the excess glucose but the fat you ate at your last meal. Moreover, high insulin signals the fat cells to hold on to the fat and not release it for energy. If the pattern of high insulin-generating meals continues, fat cells swell up and you gain weight.

Even without the immediate rise in blood sugar, fructation—glycation by fructose—is eight- to tenfold worse than glycation by glucose.

measurement tools that I do recommend are a blood sugar and ketone meter and a continuous glucose meter.

But good old Albert, aka Vic, whooped and howled like a Belgian wolfhound getting a glucose enema.

type 2 diabetes doubles or triples your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, about the same as having one copy of the APOE e4 gene. On a purely mechanistic level, chronically elevated blood glucose, as seen in type 2 diabetes and prediabetes/insulin resistance, can directly damage the vasculature of the brain. But insulin resistance alone is enough to elevate one’s risk.

The higher the blood glucose after consumption of food, the greater the insulin level, the more fat is deposited. This is why, say, eating a three-egg omelet that triggers no increase in glucose does not add to body fat, while two slices of whole wheat bread increases blood glucose to high levels, triggering insulin and growth of fat, particularly abdominal or deep visceral fat.

The nervous system consumes more glucose than most other parts of the body, and effortful mental activity appears to be especially expensive in the currency of glucose. When you are actively involved in difficult cognitive reasoning or engaged in a task that requires self-control, your blood glucose level drops. The effect is analogous to a runner who draws down glucose stored in her muscles during a sprint. The

Sitting here in my lab, I can imagine you scratching your head again: Dr. Panda, what’s the big deal? Aren’t we talking about just a few ounces of fat gain after a late-night snack? Won’t my metabolic rhythm come back the next day? Actually, it’s worse than you think. It is hard enough for the body to monitor hormones, genes, and clocks for someone with a strict eating routine. But when eating occurs at random times throughout the day and night, the fat-making process stays on all the time. At the same time, glucose created from digested carbohydrates floods our blood and the liver becomes inefficient in its ability to absorb glucose. If this continues for a few days, blood glucose continues to rise and reaches the danger zone of prediabetes or diabetes. So, if you’ve wondered why diets haven’t worked for you before, timing might be the reason. Even if you were diligently exercising; counting calories; avoiding fats, carbs, and sweets; and piling on the protein, it’s quite likely that you weren’t respecting your circadian clocks. If you eat late at night or start breakfast at a wildly different time each morning, you are constantly throwing your body out of sync. Don’t worry, the fix is equally simple: Just set an eating routine and stick to it. Timing is everything.

Insulin tells the body to stop burning its fat stores and instead absorb some of the fatty acids and glucose in the blood and turn them into more body fat…but that’s not what causes you to get fatter over time—overeating does. •

before going out for dinner, at home, he made himself a big plate of grilled broccoli and ate it with salt and hot sauce. With broccoli in his belly, he was ready for his meal out. When he got to a restaurant, he wasn’t starving,

The most surprising discovery made by Baumeister’s group shows, as he puts it, that the idea of mental energy is more than a mere metaphor. The nervous system consumes more glucose than most other parts of the body, and effortful mental activity appears to be especially expensive in the currency of glucose. When you are actively involved in difficult cognitive reasoning or engaged in a task that requires self-control, your blood glucose level drops. The effect is analogous to a runner who draws down glucose stored in her muscles during a sprint.

B1 to harvest energy from glucose, the end result of digesting carbohydrates. Brain cells especially rely on glucose for energy, since other sugars cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. The brain also needs thiamine to make myelin sheaths and to build certain neurotransmitters.

The leading source of calories that Americans consume is a category called “grain-based desserts,” like pies, cakes, and cookies, according to the US Department of Agriculture. That is our number one “food group.” If we consume a bunch of grain-based desserts in a Cheesecake Factory binge, our blood glucose levels will surge. And if we do it over and over and over again, as we saw in previous chapters, we will eventually overwhelm our ability to handle all those calories in a safe way. The SAD essentially wages war on our metabolic health, and, given enough time, most of us will lose the war.

b  Antacids c  Analgesics d  Sleeping remedies 12.  Do you suffer from allergies? 13.  Do you occasionally have episodes of poor concentration or confusion? 14.  Do you commonly suffer from shortness of breath or feel winded? 15.  Have you lost any of your sense of taste or smell over the past few years? 16.  Do you feel that you have lost a significant amount of muscle mass over the past few years? 17.  Have you heard from your doctor that you have any of the following? a  Elevated blood pressure b  Elevated blood cholesterol c  Elevated blood glucose 18.  Has your dentist told you that you have gum

when insulin docks into the receptors, the receptors directly affect the glucose transfer proteins. That encourages the transfer proteins to let more glucose into these cells for storage as glycogen or fat. The effect of all this is to reduce blood sugar level and to stock up on energy for times when food is scarce.

Excess blue light also causes inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, primarily because of its impact on glucose control. In the evening, exposure to blue light causes a peak in glucose levels, leading to higher blood sugar and an increase in insulin resistance.2 This means your blood sugar is higher than it should be, and your

Because the insulin level in the bloodstream is determined primarily by the carbohydrates that are consumed—their quantity and quality, as I’ll discuss—it’s those carbohydrates that ultimately determine how much fat we accumulate. Here’s the chain of events: 1.  You think about eating a meal containing carbohydrates. 2. You begin secreting insulin. 3. The insulin signals the fat cells to shut down the release of fatty acids (by inhibiting HSL) and take up more fatty acids (via LPL) from the circulation. 4. You start to get hungry, or hungrier. 5. You begin eating. 6. You secrete more insulin. 7. The carbohydrates are digested and enter the circulation as glucose, causing blood sugar levels to rise.§ 8. You secrete still more insulin. 9. Fat from the diet is stored as triglycerides in the fat cells, as are some of the carbohydrates that are converted into fat in the liver. 10.  The fat cells get fatter, and so do you. 11.  The fat stays in the fat cells until the insulin level drops. If

The most surprising discovery made by Baumeister’s group shows, as he puts it, that the idea of mental energy is more than a mere metaphor. The nervous system consumes more glucose than most other parts of the body, and effortful mental activity appears to be especially expensive in the currency of glucose. When you are actively involved in difficult cognitive reasoning or engaged in a task that requires self-control, your blood glucose level drops. The effect is analogous to a runner who draws down glucose stored in her muscles during a sprint. The bold implication of this idea is that the effects of ego depletion could be undone by ingesting glucose, and Baumeister and his colleagues have confirmed this hypothesis in several experiments. Volunteers in one of their studies watched a short silent film of a woman being interviewed and were asked to interpret her body language. While they were performing the task, a series of words crossed the screen in slow succession. The participants were specifically instructed to ignore the words, and if they found their attention drawn away they had to refocus their concentration on the woman’s behavior. This act of self-control was known to cause ego depletion. All the volunteers drank some lemonade before participating in a second task. The lemonade was sweetened with glucose for half of them and with Splenda for the others. Then all participants were given a task in which they needed to overcome an intuitive response to get the correct answer. Intuitive errors are normally much more frequent among ego-depleted people, and the drinkers of Splenda showed the expected depletion effect. On the other hand, the glucose drinkers were not depleted. Restoring the level of available sugar in the brain had prevented the deterioration of performance. It will take some time and much further research to establish whether the tasks that cause glucose-depletion also cause the momentary arousal that is reflected in increases of pupil size and heart rate.

Myth #3: Fasting Causes Low Blood Sugar Sometimes people worry that blood sugar will fall very low during fasting and they will become shaky and sweaty. Luckily, this does not actually happen. Blood sugar level is tightly monitored by the body, and there are multiple mechanisms to keep it in the proper range. During fasting, our body begins by breaking down glycogen (remember, that’s the glucose in short-term storage) in the liver to provide glucose. This happens every night as you sleep to keep blood sugars normal as you fast overnight. FASTING ALL-STARS AMY BERGER People who engage in fasting for religious or spiritual purposes often report feelings of extreme clear-headedness and physical and emotional well-being. Some even feel a sense of euphoria. They usually attribute this to achieving some kind of spiritual enlightenment, but the truth is much more down-to-earth and scientific than that: it’s the ketones! Ketones are a “superfood” for the brain. When the body and brain are fueled primarily by fatty acids and ketones, respectively, the “brain fog,” mood swings, and emotional instability that are caused by wild fluctuations in blood sugar become a thing of the past and clear thinking is the new normal. If you fast for longer than twenty-four to thirty-six hours, glycogen stores become depleted. The liver now can manufacture new glucose in a process called gluconeogenesis, using the glycerol that’s a by-product of the breakdown of fat. This means that we do not need to eat glucose for our blood glucose levels to remain normal. A related myth is that brain cells can only use glucose for energy. This is incorrect. Human brains, unique amongst animals, can also use ketone bodies—particles that are produced when fat is metabolized—as a fuel source. This allows us to function optimally even when food is not readily available. Ketones provide the majority of the energy we need. Consider the consequences if glucose were absolutely necessary for brain function. After twenty-four hours without food, glucose stored in our bodies in the form of glycogen is depleted. At that point, we’d become blubbering idiots as our brains shut down. In the Paleolithic era, our intellect was our only advantage against wild animals with their sharp claws, sharp fangs, and bulging muscles. Without it, humans would have become extinct long ago. When glucose is not available, the body begins to burn fat and produce ketone bodies, which are able to cross the blood-brain barrier to feed the brain cells. Up to 75 percent of the brain’s energy requirements can be met by ketones. Of course, that means that glucose still provides 25 percent of the brain’s energy requirements. So does this mean that we have to eat for our brains to function?

Say Goodbye to Fingersticks & hello to Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Living with diabetes is a daily challenge, requiring individuals to closely monitor their blood glucose levels to maintain stable health. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have revolutionized diabetes management, with one such innovation being Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems. CGM has become a game-changer for diabetics, providing real-time data and insights that enable better control of blood sugar levels and, ultimately, a higher quality of life. In this article, we will explore the benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring and how it has transformed diabetes management for the better.

These visceral (belly) fat cells behave differently than fat elsewhere in the body in two important ways.25 First, they are several times more sensitive to hormones and thus tend to be more metabolically active, which means they are capable of storing and releasing fat more rapidly than fat cells in other parts of the body. Second, when visceral cells release fatty acids (something fat cells do all the time), they dump the molecules almost straight into the liver, where the fat accumulates and eventually impairs the liver’s ability to regulate the release of glucose into the blood. An excess of belly fat (a paunch) is therefore a much greater risk factor for metabolic disease than a high BMI.

Is their average blood glucose a little bit high? Are they “spiking” above 160 mg/dL more often than I would like? Or could they perhaps tolerate a little bit more carbohydrate in their diet? Not everyone needs to restrict carbohydrates; some people can handle more than others, and some have a hard time sticking to severe carbohydrate restriction. Overall, I like to keep average glucose at or below 100 mg/dL, with a standard deviation of less than 15 mg/dL.[*5] These are aggressive goals: 100 mg/dL corresponds to an HbA1c of 5.1 percent, which is quite low. But I believe that the reward, in terms of lower risk of mortality and disease, is well worth it given the ample evidence in nondiabetics and diabetics alike.

Today we call this cluster of problems “metabolic syndrome” (or MetSyn), and it is defined in terms of the following five criteria: high blood pressure (>130/85) high triglycerides (>150 mg/dL) low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women) central adiposity (waist circumference >40 inches in men or >35 in women) elevated fasting glucose (>110 mg/dL)

The most surprising discovery made by Baumeister’s group shows, as he puts it, that the idea of mental energy is more than a mere metaphor. The nervous system consumes more glucose than most other parts of the body, and effortful mental activity appears to be especially expensive in the currency of glucose. When you are actively involved in difficult cognitive reasoning or engaged in a task that requires self-control, your blood glucose level drops. The effect is analogous to a runner who draws down glucose stored in her muscles during a sprint. The bold implication of this idea is that the effects of ego depletion could be undone by ingesting glucose, and Baumeister and his colleagues have confirmed this hypothesis in several experiments.

Once insulin has stored all the glucose it can in our liver and muscles, any glucose beyond that is turned into fat and stored in our fat reserves. And that’s one of the ways we put on weight. And then some. Because it’s not just glucose that our body has to deal with, it must also dispose of fructose. And unfortunately, fructose cannot be turned into glycogen and stored in the liver and the

Walking is especially good for your brain, because it increases blood circulation and the oxygen and glucose that reach your brain. Walking is not strenuous, so your leg muscles don't take up extra oxygen and glucose like they do during other forms of exercise. As you walk, you effectively oxygenate your brain. Maybe this is the reason why walking can "clear your head" and help you to think better.

Studies have found that approximately one-third of those folks who are obese by BMI are actually metabolically healthy, by many of the same parameters used to define the metabolic syndrome (blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, and fasting glucose, among others). At the same time, some studies have found that between 20 and 40 percent of nonobese adults may be metabolically unhealthy, by those same measures

carbohydrate controls insulin; insulin controls fat storage. Carbohydrates are not used as structural components in the body; instead they are used only as a form of fuel, whether burned immediately while passing by different organs and muscles or stored for later use. All forms of carbohydrates you eat, whether simple or complex, are eventually converted into glucose, which the brain, red blood cells and nerve cells generally prefer as a primary fuel.

Anything perceived as a threat trips the amygdala—the brain’s hand-wringing sentry—to set in motion the biochemical cascade known as the fight-or-flight response. Bruce Siddle, who consults in this area and sits on the board of Strategic Operations, prefers the term “survival stress response.” Whatever you wish to call it, here is a nice, concise summary, courtesy of Siddle: “You become fast, strong, and dumb.” Our hardwired survival strategy evolved back when threats took the form of man-eating mammals, when hurling a rock superhumanly hard or climbing a tree superhumanly fast gave you the edge that might keep you alive. A burst of adrenaline prompts a cortisol dump to the bloodstream. The cortisol sends the lungs into overdrive to bring in more oxygen, and the heart rate doubles or triples to deliver it more swiftly. Meanwhile the liver spews glucose, more fuel for the feats at hand. To get the goods where the body assumes they’re needed, blood vessels in the large muscles of the arms and legs dilate, while vessels serving lower-priority organs (the gut, for example, and the skin) constrict. The prefrontal cortex, a major blood guzzler, also gets rationed. Good-bye, reasoning and analysis. See you later, fine motor skills. None of that mattered much to early man. You don’t need to weigh your options in the face of a snarling predator, and you don’t have time.

Since 2005, researchers have been finding correlations between diabetes and risk for Alzheimer’s disease, especially when the diabetes is not controlled and a person suffers from chronic high blood sugar.7 Some have gone so far as to refer to Alzheimer’s disease as “type 3 diabetes,” because the disease often involves a disrupted relationship with insulin, the metabolic hormone involved in both types 1 and 2 diabetes. Insulin is the hormone needed to deliver sugar (glucose) into cells for use.

If too little glucose is available in your blood, which is what happens when you follow a low - carbohydrate diet, then your liver hoards glucose so that your brain, which needs glucose to function, doesn't starve. While your body will start to break down fat to use as fuel, your brain can't run that way for long, and it will send out the Bat-Signal for more calories. That's the reason why when you skip a meal or go too long between meals, you find yourself running to the nearest donut or bag of chips.

The conditions in the womb—in the intrauterine environment—influence the development of the fetus, so that subtly different conditions will lead, in effect, to the birth of newborns who respond differently to the environment they face outside the womb. In particular, the nutrients that the developing child receives in the womb—including the supply of glucose—pass across the placenta in proportion to the nutrient concentration in the mother’s circulation. The higher the mother’s blood sugar, the greater the supply of glucose to the fetus. The developing pancreas responds by overproducing insulin-secreting cells. “The baby is not diabetic,” says Boyd Metzger, who studies diabetes and pregnancy at Northwestern University, “but the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are stimulated to function and grow in size and number by the environment they’re in. So they start overfunctioning. That in turn leads to a baby laying down more fat, which is why the baby of a diabetic mother is typified by being a fat baby.

Your body can pack about 400 grams (14 ounces) of glycogen into liver and muscle cells. A gram of carbohydrates — including glucose — has four calories. If you add up all the glucose stored in glycogen to the small amount of glucose in your cells and blood, it equals about 1,800 calories of energy. If your diet provides more carbohydrates than you need to produce this amount of stored calories in the form of glucose and glycogen in your cells, blood, muscles, and liver, the excess will be converted to fat. And that’s how

Now, for breakfast, she has oatmeal with ground flax seeds, hemp seeds, nuts, pea protein powder, and a sausage on the side. At lunchtime, two hard-boiled eggs, carrot sticks, celery, peanut butter or avocado, a protein smoothie (with collagen powder, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, half a tablespoon of coconut oil, and a whole bunch of greens), and half a banana last. For a snack in the afternoon, Greek yogurt, berries, and half a protein bar. Finally, at dinner, fish or chicken, kale sautéed with avocado oil, and roasted sweet potatoes.

If blood-sugar levels increase—say, after a meal containing carbohydrates—then more glucose is transported into the fat cells, which increases the use of this glucose for fuel, and so increases the production of glycerol phosphate. This is turn increases the conversion of fatty acids into triglycerides, so that they’re unable to escape into the bloodstream at a time when they’re not needed. Thus, elevating blood sugar serves to decrease the concentration of fatty acids in the blood, and to increase the accumulated fat in the fat cells.

Below are recommended optimal ranges for key metabolic blood tests. Falling outside of these ranges is an indicator that you could have brewing dysfunction. The remainder of Part 2 and the plan in Part 3 will give specific steps to increase Good Energy and improve these biomarkers: Triglycerides: Less than 80 mg/dL HDL: 50 to 90 mg/dL Fasting Glucose: 70 to 85 mg/dL Blood Pressure: Less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic mmHg Waist Circumference: <80 cm (31.5 inches) for women and <90 cm (35 inches) for men (South Asian, Chinese, Japanese, and South and Central Americans) <80 cm (31.5 inches) for women and <94 cm (37 inches) for men (European, Sub-Saharan African, Middle Eastern, and Eastern Mediterranean) Triglyceride-to-HDL Ratio: Below 1.5. Above 3 is a clear sign of metabolic dysfunction. Fasting Insulin: From 2 to 5 mIU/L. Above 10 mIU/L is concerning and above 15 mIU/L is significantly elevated. HOMA-IR: Less than 2.0 High-Sensitivity CRP (hsCRP): Less than 0.3 mg/dL Hemoglobin A1c: From 5.0 to 5.4 percent Uric Acid: Less than 5 mg/dL for men, and from 2 to 4 mg/dL for women

From the moment we are diagnosed with any type of diabetes, we begin a part of our lives in which we are constantly graded. Constantly tested. Constantly told whether we’re doing a great job, a good job, an okay job, or a really bad job based on the numbers that show up on our glucose meter and A1C test. We are graded on what we eat or on how often we exercise. Whether we check our blood sugar regularly or rarely, and somewhere in our heads we can’t help but tell ourselves that we’re “good” or “bad” based entirely on how well we are able to accomplish this neverending to-do list throughout every single day. And that is exhausting.

Downstairs in the body, sleep restocks the armory of our immune system, helping fight malignancy, preventing infection, and warding off all manner of sickness. Sleep reforms the body’s metabolic state by fine-tuning the balance of insulin and circulating glucose. Sleep further regulates our appetite, helping control body weight through healthy food selection rather than rash impulsivity. Plentiful sleep maintains a flourishing microbiome within your gut from which we know so much of our nutritional health begins. Adequate sleep is intimately tied to the fitness of our cardiovascular system, lowering blood pressure while keeping our hearts in fine condition.

Although these digital tools can improve the diagnostic process and offer clinicians a variety of state-of-the-art treatment options, most are based on a reductionist approach to health and disease. This paradigm takes a divide-and-conquer approach to medicine, "rooted in the assumption that complex problems are solvable by dividing them into smaller, simpler, and thus more tractable units." Although this methodology has led to important insights and practical implications in healthcare, it does have its limitations. Reductionist thinking has led researchers and clinicians to search for one or two primary causes of each disease and design therapies that address those causes.... The limitation of this type of reasoning becomes obvious when one examines the impact of each of these diseases. There are many individuals who are exposed to HIV who do not develop the infection, many patients have blood glucose levels outside the normal range who never develop signs and symptoms of diabetes, and many patients with low thyroxine levels do not develop clinical hypothyroidism. These "anomalies" imply that there are cofactors involved in all these conditions, which when combined with the primary cause or causes bring about the clinical onset. Detecting these contributing factors requires the reductionist approach to be complemented by a systems biology approach, which assumes there are many interacting causes to each disease.

Just as calories differ according to how they affect the body, so too do carbohydrates. All carbohydrates break down into sugar, but the rate at which this occurs in the digestive tract varies tremendously from food to food. This difference forms the basis for the glycemic index (GI). The GI ranks carbohydrate-containing foods according to how they affect blood glucose, from 0 (no affect at all) to 100 (equal to glucose). Gram for gram, most starchy foods raise blood glucose to very high levels and therefore have high GI values. In fact, highly processed grain products – like white bread, white rice, and prepared breakfast cereals – and the modern white potato digest so quickly that their GI ratings are even greater than table sugar (sucrose). So for breakfast, you could have a bowl of cornflakes with no added sugar, or a bowl of sugar with no added cornflakes. They would taste different but, below the neck, act more or less the same. A related concept is the glycemic load (GL), which accounts for the different carbohydrate content of foods typically consumed. Watermelon has a high GI, but relatively little carbohydrate in a standard serving, producing a moderate GL. In contrast, white potato has a high GI and lots of carbohydrate in a serving, producing a high GL. If this sounds a bit complicated, think of GI as describing how foods rank in a laboratory setting, whereas GL as applying more directly to a real-life setting. Research has shown that the GL reliably predicts, to within about 90 percent, how blood glucose will change after an actual meal – much better than simply counting carbohydrates as people with diabetes have been taught to do.

The ingestion of carbohydrates, especially the refined grains and sugars that are so prominent in the modern diet, causes a spike in blood sugar and a temporary energy boost. Then, because a glucose overdose is toxic in the bloodstream, insulin floods the bloodstream to remove any glucose you don’t burn immediately and stores it as either glycogen (in the liver and muscle tissues) or in the fat cells as triglyceride (the storage form of fat). When insulin removes glucose from your bloodstream and transports it into storage, you experience the familiar sugar crash and a craving for quick-energy carbohydrates. You have plenty of fat energy locked away in storage, but a high-insulin-producing diet prevents you from being able to access it. Instead, you become reliant on your next snack or meal for energy, and you exist in a state of carbohydrate dependency.

Or, stated in a familiar way, increasing cognitive load* should make people more conservative. This is precisely the case. The time pressure of snap judgments is a version of increased cognitive load. Likewise, people become more conservative when tired, in pain or distracted with a cognitive task, or when blood alcohol levels rise. Recall from chapter 3 that willpower takes metabolic power, thanks to the glucose demands of the frontal cortex. This was the finding that when people are hungry, they become less generous in economic games. A real-world example of this is startling (see graph on previous page)—in a study of more than 1,100 judicial rulings, prisoners were granted parole at about a 60 percent rate when judges had recently eaten, and at essentially a 0 percent rate just before judges ate (note also the overall decline over the course of a tiring day). Justice may be blind, but she’s sure sensitive to her stomach gurgling.

These genetic malfunctions are unlikely to produce schizophrenia in an individual unless they are stimulated by environmental conditions. By far the most causative environmental factor is stress, especially during gestation in the womb, early childhood, and adolescence—stages in which the brain is continually reshaping itself, and thus vulnerable to disruption. Stress can take the form of a person's enduring sustained anger, fear, or anxiety, or a combination of these. Stress works its damage by prompting an oversupply of cortisol, the normally life sustaining “stress hormone” that converts high energy glycogen to glucose in liver and in muscle tissue. Yet when it is called upon to contain a rush of glycogen, cortisol can transform itself into “Public Enemy Number One,” as one health advocate put it. The steroid hormone swells to flood levels and triggers weight gain, high blood pressure, heart disease, damage to the immune system, and an overflow of cholesterol. Stress is likely a trigger for schizophrenia.

When blood-sugar (glucose) levels rise, the pancreas secretes insulin in response, which then signals the muscle cells to take up and burn more glucose. Insulin also signals the fat cells to take up fat and hold on to it. Only when the rising tide of blood sugar begins to ebb will insulin levels ebb as well, at which point the fat cells will release their stored fuel into the circulation (in the form of fatty acids); the cells of muscles and organs now burn this fat rather than glucose. Blood sugar is controlled within a healthy range, and fat flows in and out of fat cells as needed. The one biological factor necessary to get fat out of fat cells and have it used for fuel, as Yalow and Berson noted in 1965, is “the negative stimulus of insulin deficiency.” These revelations on the various actions of insulin led Yalow and Berson to call it the most “lipogenic” hormone, meaning fat-forming. And this lipogenic signal has to be turned down, muted significantly, for the fat cells to release their stored fat and the body to use it for fuel.

Without carbohydrates, the body will use protein and fat as fuel—this is called ketosis. When your body is in the metabolic state of ketosis, it turns fat into ketones in the liver, which will supply energy instead of glucose, as if you were fasting. You may have heard of the ketogenic diet, in fact, which focuses on protein and fat intake, while maintaining a very low carbohydrate intake. This diet, newly trendy, may have benefits such as weight loss and improved blood sugar levels. However, it is very restrictive; eliminating healthy fruits, vegetables, legumes, and other nutritious complex carbohydrates seems unnecessary and no fun. Also, we don’t know the long-term effects of ketosis (though if you do go too long without any carbs, it can lead to heart or kidney disease). What I do know, after years of studying nutrition, is that any diet that is very restrictive or eliminates entire food groups can be unrealistic and difficult to sustain. That’s why Zero Sugar Diet eliminates added sugars—but allows natural ones. Pretty sweet deal.

Flow is an extremely potent response to external events and requires an extraordinary set of signals. The process includes dopamine, which does more than tune signal-to-noise ratios. Emotionally, we feel dopamine as engagement, excitement, creativity, and a desire to investigate and make meaning out of the world. Evolutionarily, it serves a similar function. Human beings are hardwired for exploration, hardwired to push the envelope: dopamine is largely responsible for that wiring. This neurochemical is released whenever we take a risk or encounter something novel. It rewards exploratory behavior. It also helps us survive that behavior. By increasing attention, information flow, and pattern recognition in the brain, and heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle firing timing in the body, dopamine serves as a formidable skill-booster as well. Norepinephrine provides another boost. In the body, it speeds up heart rate, muscle tension, and respiration, and triggers glucose release so we have more energy. In the brain, norepinephrine increases arousal, attention, neural efficiency, and emotional control. In flow, it keeps us locked on target, holding distractions at bay. And as a pleasure-inducer, if dopamine’s drug analog is cocaine, norepinephrine’s is speed, which means this enhancement comes with a hell of a high. Endorphins, our third flow conspirator, also come with a hell of a high. These natural “endogenous” (meaning naturally internal to the body) opiates relieve pain and produce pleasure much like “exogenous” (externally added to the body) opiates like heroin. Potent too. The most commonly produced endorphin is 100 times more powerful than medical morphine. The next neurotransmitter is anandamide, which takes its name from the Sanskrit word for “bliss”—and for good reason. Anandamide is an endogenous cannabinoid, and similarly feels like the psychoactive effect found in marijuana. Known to show up in exercise-induced flow states (and suspected in other kinds), this chemical elevates mood, relieves pain, dilates blood vessels and bronchial tubes (aiding respiration), and amplifies lateral thinking (our ability to link disparate ideas together). More critically, anandamide also inhibits our ability to feel fear, even, possibly, according to research done at Duke, facilitates the extinction of long-term fear memories. Lastly, at the tail end of a flow state, it also appears (more research needs to be done) that the brain releases serotonin, the neurochemical now associated with SSRIs like Prozac. “It’s a molecule involved in helping people cope with adversity,” Oxford University’s Philip Cowen told the New York Times, “to not lose it, to keep going and try to sort everything out.” In flow, serotonin is partly responsible for the afterglow effect, and thus the cause of some confusion. “A lot of people associate serotonin directly with flow,” says high performance psychologist Michael Gervais, “but that’s backward. By the time the serotonin has arrived the state has already happened. It’s a signal things are coming to an end, not just beginning.” These five chemicals are flow’s mighty cocktail. Alone, each packs a punch, together a wallop.

Let’s consider what happens to our metabolism when we eat carbohydrate, or, in particular, the carbohydrate in grains. Most of the carbohydrate contained in grains exists in the form of starch, which is just a large chain of glucose molecules. Starch is quickly broken down into its individual glucose units by enzymes in our saliva and those released by the pancreas. The glucose is then absorbed into the blood, causing a rise in “blood sugar.” The spike in blood sugar triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas, a hormone whose primary function is to remove glucose from the bloodstream by facilitating its transport into the bodily tissues. Once inside the tissues, the glucose can then be burned for energy. Once those tissues have their fill of glucose, however, any that’s left over in the blood must still be eliminated. Glucose that stays around too long ends up sticking to bodily tissues and causing irreversible damage. So how does our body get rid of this excess glucose? It stores it…as fat. Yes, that’s right. Any starch you consume that’s in excess of what your body needs is, under the direction of insulin, converted to fat. And, in addition to driving the storage of glucose as fat, insulin also suppresses the release of fat from the adipose tissue.

Yet there are problems with speeding up whole-grain bread, and they begin with the flour. Many if not most of the new whole-grain white breads on the market are made with a new variety of hard white wheat developed by ConAgra. This is why the bread doesn’t look like whole wheat: the specks of bran are white, or whitish. They are also microscopic: The wheat is milled by ConAgra using a patented process called Ultrafine that attains a degree of fineness never before achieved in a whole-grain flour. This resulting flour, called Ultragrain, makes for a softer, whiter whole-grain bread, but at a price. It is metabolized almost as fast as white flour, obviating one of the most important health advantages of whole grains: that our bodies absorb and metabolize them slowly, and so avoid the insulin spikes that typically accompany refined carbohydrates. A common measure of the speed by which a food raises glucose levels in the blood (and therefore insulin, an important risk factor for many chronic diseases) is the glycemic index. The glycemic index of a whole-grain Wonder Bread (around 71) is essentially the same as that of Classic Wonderbread (73). (By comparison, the glycemic index of whole-grain bread made with stone-ground flour is only 52.) So perhaps we really have gotten too smart for our own good. Using

I half expected her to be gone by the time I came out of the shower. She ran. That’s what she did with me. The half of me that expected her to still be here would have put money on her cleaning the place. But when I came out, she was on the couch. I knew immediately something was wrong. I flew to her side. “Kristen, what is it?” She panted. “I can’t see. My…my eyes are blurry.” She was covered in sweat. Shaking, breathing hard. I pulled back her eyelid and she swatted at me. Combative. Hypoglycemic. I ran to the kitchen, praying that she hadn’t tossed all the trash. I spotted an old In-N-Out cup with Coke in it from yesterday and grabbed it, running back to the couch. “Kristen, I need you to drink this. You’re not going to like it, but I need you to do it.” It was flat, old, and room temp, but it was all I had in the apartment. I put the straw to her lips. She shook her head violently and clenched her teeth. “No.” “Listen, your glucose levels are low. You need sugar. Drink this. You’ll feel better. Come on.” She tried to knock the cup from my hands, and I protected it like it was the cure for cancer. If she didn’t get her blood sugar up, she could have a seizure next. Slip into unconsciousness. And her symptoms were already advanced. Panic overcame me. My heart pounded in my ears. What’s wrong with her? “A few swallows, please,” I begged. She took the straw in her lips and drank, and my relief was palpable. It took a few minutes and a few more sips, but she stopped shaking. I got a wet washcloth and wiped her face as she came back around. I peeled her sweatshirt off her—my sweatshirt. “When’s the last time you ate?” I asked. She was still a little disoriented. When she looked at me, her eyes didn’t really focus. “I don’t know. I didn’t.” I checked my watch. Jesus, it was almost 2:00 p.m. “Come on—I’m taking you to get some food.” I helped her up, putting an arm around her waist. She was so frail. The sides of her stomach were hard. Something is wrong.

Resting his elbows on a wooden rail, he eagerly breathed in the cool, salty air. It took a few minutes for Fra Armando to notice how odd the southward rushing waters looked. The twilight-colored river had turned to blood. The Friar followed the dizzying rush of lenticular red cells, the size of loaves of bread, the amoeba-like gliding of the white cells, transparent enough to show their darkened nuclei, the snaking spiral worms that must have been malaria germs, the unusual fluorescence of lymph, the currents of glucose and protein. Fascinated and deathly tired, the Friar suddenly sensed that everything was alive, that everything lives, and that the universe does not at all operate like clockwork. Instead, it is a malleable architecture like the human body, a temple of skin, a basilica of scratches, a cenotaph of snot, with no right angles or durable materials, where the person creates his dreams, thoughts, and illusions, his time and his language like a cell secretes a hair or the crystal horn of a nail. And still, the least important cell in the universal body receives, through angel hormones and neural visions, the imperious commandments of God.

The liver, for example, the largest gland in the body, performs more than five hundred tasks, including processing glucose, protein, fats, and other compounds the body needs, generating the hemoglobin that is the soul of a red blood cell, and detoxifying the poisons we consume when we drink wine or eat those fibrous packets of natural toxins called vegetables.

physiology of diet-induced ketosis involves the lowering of blood glucose, stored glycogen, and insulin levels. The result is an enhanced release and reliance on fat as fuel.

THREATENING If habitual sugar or the consumption of sugar mimics continues, the metabolic nightmare can turn into a living hell. Similar to those who consume excess alcohol and develop resistance to it, the excess insulin numbs the cells of our muscles. Once this occurs, they no longer vacuum glucose or other essential nutrients from the bloodstream. Unable to gain entry into muscle cells, glucose accumulates in the blood, and cells become old prematurely. Blood gets bad, as seen by sugar levels above 115 (normal

Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Role of CGM Devices in Diabetes Management In recent years, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices have emerged as a game-changer in diabetes management, offering patients a real-time view of their glucose levels and revolutionizing the way they monitor their condition. Among the pioneers in providing these life-changing devices, Med Supply US stands out as a reliable source, offering CGMs from various renowned brands like Abbott, Dexcom, and more. This article explores the significance of CGM devices and highlights the contribution of Med Supply US in making them accessible to those in need. Understanding CGM Devices: For individuals living with diabetes, maintaining optimal blood glucose levels is crucial to prevent serious health complications. Traditionally, this involved frequent finger-prick tests, which could be inconvenient and sometimes inaccurate. CGM devices, however, have transformed this process by providing continuous and real-time glucose level readings. These devices consist of a small sensor inserted under the skin that measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. The data collected is then transmitted to a receiver or a smartphone app, allowing users to track their glucose levels throughout the day and night. Benefits of CGM Devices: The introduction of CGM devices has brought about a paradigm shift in diabetes management due to their numerous benefits: Real-time Monitoring: CGM devices offer a real-time insight into glucose trends, enabling users to make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and insulin dosages. This real-time feedback empowers individuals to take timely action to maintain their glucose levels within a healthy range.

Certainly, we know that food affects how we feel. Science tells us that when people eat a diet that leads to lots of glucose spikes, they report worsening moods over time and more depressive symptoms than if they eat a diet of similar calories but with flatter curves. Many community members have also shared that sugary foods increase their anxiety.

Note that dried dates are some of the biggest glucose bombs in the fruit kingdom. Yet they are said to help with managing diabetes. Go figure.

Enhancing Diabetes Management: The Role of Blood Glucose Monitors from Med Supply US Introduction In the modern landscape of diabetes care, continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels has become an invaluable tool for individuals striving to manage their condition effectively. Among the pioneering names in this field is Med Supply US, a brand that has been making waves in New York, Miami, and Florida by offering state-of-the-art Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) services. Let's delve into how these Blood Glucose Monitors are revolutionizing diabetes management. Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Game-Changer Gone are the days of frequent finger pricks and sporadic glucose checks. Med Supply US is at the forefront of empowering individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels seamlessly and gain insights in real-time. CGMs have ushered in a new era of convenience, accuracy, and comprehensive data analysis, allowing for a more proactive approach to diabetes care. Benefits of CGMs by Med Supply US Med Supply US has carved a niche for itself in the diabetes management landscape, offering a range of benefits that set it apart: Accurate Monitoring: CGMs provide continuous readings throughout the day and night, eliminating the guesswork associated with traditional glucose monitoring methods. This accuracy is pivotal for making informed decisions about diet, medication, and activity levels. Real-time Data: With CGMs, individuals receive real-time data on their glucose levels. This not only keeps them informed but also enables prompt action in response to fluctuations, reducing the risk of extreme highs and lows. Trend Analysis: Med Supply US's CGMs offer comprehensive data analysis, highlighting trends and patterns in glucose levels over time. This aids in identifying factors that impact blood sugar, thus facilitating better management strategies. Alerts and Notifications: CGMs from Med Supply US come equipped with customizable alerts and notifications. This feature helps users stay vigilant about their glucose levels, especially during critical moments.

In recent years, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices have emerged as a game-changer in diabetes management, offering patients a real-time view of their glucose levels and revolutionizing the way they monitor their condition. Among the pioneers in providing these life-changing devices, Med Supply US stands out as a reliable source, offering CGMs from various renowned brands like Abbott, Dexcom, and more. This article explores the significance of CGM devices and highlights the contribution of Med Supply US in making them accessible to those in need. Understanding CGM Devices: For individuals living with diabetes, maintaining optimal blood glucose levels is crucial to prevent serious health complications. Traditionally, this involved frequent finger-prick tests, which could be inconvenient and sometimes inaccurate. CGM devices, however, have transformed this process by providing continuous and real-time glucose level readings. These devices consist of a small sensor inserted under the skin that measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. The data collected is then transmitted to a receiver or a smartphone app, allowing users to track their glucose levels throughout the day and night. Benefits of CGM Devices: The introduction of CGM devices has brought about a paradigm shift in diabetes management due to their numerous benefits: Real-time Monitoring: CGM devices offer a real-time insight into glucose trends, enabling users to make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and insulin dosages. This real-time feedback empowers individuals to take timely action to maintain their glucose levels within a healthy range. Reduced Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia: By providing alerts for both low and high glucose levels, CGMs help users avoid dangerous hypoglycemic episodes and hyperglycemic spikes. This is particularly beneficial during sleep when such episodes might otherwise go unnoticed. Data-Driven Insights: CGM devices generate a wealth of data, including glucose trends, patterns, and even predictive alerts for potential issues. This information can be shared with healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans for optimal diabetes management. Enhanced Quality of Life: The convenience of CGM devices reduces the need for frequent finger pricks, leading to an improved quality of life for individuals managing diabetes. The constant insights also alleviate anxiety related to unpredictable glucose fluctuations. Med Supply US: Bringing Hope to Diabetes Management: Med Supply US has emerged as a prominent supplier of CGM devices, offering a range of options from reputable brands such as Abbott and Dexcom. The availability of CGMs through Med Supply US has made these cutting-edge devices accessible to a wider demographic, bridging the gap between technology and healthcare. Med Supply US not only provides access to CGM devices but also plays a crucial role in educating individuals about their benefits. Through informative resources, they empower users to make informed choices based on their specific needs and preferences. Furthermore, their commitment to customer support ensures that users can seamlessly integrate CGM devices into their daily routines.

Managing Blood Glucose Levels with Med Supply US CGMs in New York, Miami, and Florida Introduction Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is crucial for individuals living with diabetes. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized diabetes management, providing real-time data to help individuals make informed decisions about their diet, insulin dosage, and lifestyle. Med Supply US, a trusted brand, offers CGM services in New York, Miami, and Florida, empowering those with diabetes to take control of their health. /

The Role of CGMs Continuous Glucose Monitors play a pivotal role in diabetes management by providing real-time information about blood glucose levels. CGMs consist of a small sensor placed under the skin, which continuously measures glucose levels and transmits data to a connected device, such as a smartphone or insulin pump. This technology offers several advantages: Real-Time Monitoring: CGMs provide instant feedback on blood glucose levels, helping individuals make timely adjustments to their insulin dosage or dietary choices. Alerts and Alarms: CGMs can alert users when their glucose levels are too high or too low, reducing the risk of dangerous complications. Data Analysis: CGM data can be analyzed over time to identify patterns and make more informed decisions about diabetes management.

Another, related issue is that longevity itself, and healthspan in particular, doesn’t really fit into the business model of our current healthcare system. There are few insurance reimbursement codes for most of the largely preventive interventions that I believe are necessary to extend lifespan and healthspan. Health insurance companies won’t pay a doctor very much to tell a patient to change the way he eats, or to monitor his blood glucose levels in order to help prevent him from developing type 2 diabetes. Yet insurance will pay for this same patient’s (very expensive) insulin after he has been diagnosed.

Exploring the Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) In the world of diabetes management, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have emerged as a game-changing technology. These small devices are designed to provide real-time data on blood glucose levels, offering numerous advantages for individuals living with diabetes. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of CGMs and why they are becoming an indispensable tool for managing diabetes. Real-Time Monitoring: CGMs provide a continuous stream of data, allowing users to monitor their glucose levels 24/7. This real-time feedback helps individuals make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and insulin administration. Improved Glycemic Control: With constant glucose tracking, users can spot trends and patterns in their blood sugar levels. This insight enables them to make proactive adjustments to their diabetes management plan, leading to better glycemic control.

Understanding the Cost of Continuous Glucose Monitors with Med Supply US Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized diabetes management by providing real-time data on blood glucose levels. Among the providers offering a range of CGM options, Med Supply US stands out as a trusted source for individuals seeking these essential devices in Miami, New York, and Florida. Let's delve into the cost of CGMs and how Med Supply US plays a pivotal role in making them accessible. CGMs are crucial tools for people with diabetes, allowing them to monitor their glucose levels 24/7. These devices not only offer convenience but also help in preventing dangerous spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. However, one of the primary concerns for many individuals is the cost associated with CGMs.

When scientists from the Austrian Vorarlberg Institute compared the blood-sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels of uphill versus downhill walkers, they found that, although both groups reduced their LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol, only uphill walkers reduced their triglycerides (fats linked to heart disease and strokes). But what most baffled the researchers was the unexpected impact of downhill walking: it was twice as effective at improving glucose tolerance and removing blood sugars. The researchers concluded that downhill walking might be an excellent option for diabetics or for older people new to exercise.

Based on the science, I love any meal that starts with a salad. Unfortunately, many dining experiences don’t set us up for success: restaurants serve bread while you’re waiting for food. Starting with starch is the absolute opposite of what you ought to do. It will lead to a glucose spike that you won’t be able to tame, then a crash later on—which will intensify your cravings. Now that I think of it, if I had to devise a way to get people to eat more at my restaurant, giving them the bread first is exactly what I would do.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized diabetes management by providing real-time data on blood glucose levels. Among the providers offering a range of CGM options, Med Supply US stands out as a trusted source for individuals seeking these essential devices in Miami, New York, and Florida. Let's delve into the cost of CGMs and how Med Supply US plays a pivotal role in making them accessible. CGMs are crucial tools for people with diabetes, allowing them to monitor their glucose levels 24/7. These devices not only offer convenience but also help in preventing dangerous spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. However, one of the primary concerns for many individuals is the cost associated with CGMs. Med Supply US offers a wide selection of CGMs from various brands like Abbott and Dexcom, catering to different preferences and requirements. The cost of CGMs can vary depending on the brand, model, and the specific features they offer. Med Supply US works diligently to ensure competitive pricing for these life-changing devices, making them more accessible to those in need.

Glucose and fructose are two kinds of sugars that contain equal amounts of calories (400 calories per 100 grams). Both are unhealthy in large amounts, but fructose even more so than glucose. Glucose can be processed by all organs in the body, whereas fructose is processed mainly in the liver. Consequently, fructose causes an even greater risk of fat accumulation in the liver, resulting in a potbelly, more fats in the blood, and insulin resistance. In addition, fructose creates cross-links with proteins much faster than glucose does. Fructose also sends fewer saturation hormones to the brain than does glucose, making you eat more of it and gain more weight. In short, although all these substances contain equal amounts of calories, they have completely different effects on your metabolism and your health, certainly in the long term.

There are few insurance reimbursement codes for most of the largely preventive interventions that I believe are necessary to extend lifespan and healthspan. Health insurance companies won’t pay a doctor very much to tell a patient to change the way he eats, or to monitor his blood glucose levels in order to help prevent him from developing type 2 diabetes. Yet insurance will pay for this same patient’s (very expensive) insulin after he has been diagnosed. Similarly, there’s no billing code for putting a patient on a comprehensive exercise program designed to maintain her muscle mass and sense of balance while building her resistance to injury. But if she falls and breaks her hip, then her surgery and physical therapy will be covered. Nearly all the money flows to treatment rather than prevention—and when I say “prevention,” I mean prevention of human suffering.

The transition from the fed state to the fasted state occurs in several stages:3 1.Feeding: During meals, insulin levels are raised. This allows glucose uptake by tissues such as the muscle or brain for direct use as energy. Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver. 2.The post-absorptive phase (six to twenty-four hours after fasting starts): Insulin levels begin to fall. The breakdown of glycogen releases glucose for energy. Glycogen stores last for roughly twenty-four hours. 3.Gluconeogenesis (twenty-four hours to two days): The liver manufactures new glucose from amino acids and glycerol. In non-diabetic persons, glucose levels fall but stay within the normal range. 4.Ketosis (one to three days after fasting starts): The storage form of fat, triglycerides, is broken into the glycerol backbone and three fatty acid chains. Glycerol is used for gluconeogenesis. Fatty acids may be used directly for energy by many tissues in the body, but not the brain. Ketone bodies, capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, are produced from fatty acids for use by the brain. Ketones can supply up to 75 percent of the energy used by the brain.4 The two major types of ketones produced are beta hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate, which can increase more than seventy-fold during fasting.5 5.Protein conservation phase (after five days): High levels of growth hormone maintain muscle mass and lean tissues. The energy for maintenance of basal metabolism is almost entirely met by the use of free fatty acids and ketones. Increased norepinephrine (adrenalin) levels prevent the decrease in metabolic rate.

If a woman with gestational diabetes keeps her blood glucose within normal limits, her chance of complications is the same as a woman who does not have diabetes.

Not surprisingly, refined carbohydrates cause a surge in insulin levels. What was astounding was that dietary proteins could cause a similar surge. The glycemic index does not consider protein or fats at all because they do not raise glucose, and that approach essentially ignores the fattening effects of two out of the three major macronutrients. Insulin can increase independently of blood sugar.

With carbohydrates, there is a very tight correlation between blood glucose and insulin levels. But overall, blood glucose was responsible for only 23 percent of the variability in the insulin response. The vast majority of the insulin response (77 percent) has nothing to do with blood sugars. Insulin, not glucose, drives weight gain, and that changes everything.

In 2016, The Journal of the American Medical Association released an observational study that looked at more than 2,000 women between the ages of 27 and 70 who had undergone conventional breast cancer treatment. After analyzing this large group of women for four years, researchers determined that when women fasted 13 hours or more, they had a 64 percent less chance of recurrence of breast cancer. This is largely because fasting created a significant decrease in hemoglobin A1c, an indicator of blood glucose levels, and C-reactive protein,

In 2016, The Journal of the American Medical Association released an observational study that looked at more than 2,000 women between the ages of 27 and 70 who had undergone conventional breast cancer treatment. After analyzing this large group of women for four years, researchers determined that when women fasted 13 hours or more, they had a 64 percent less chance of recurrence of breast cancer. This is largely because fasting created a significant decrease in hemoglobin A1c, an indicator of blood glucose levels, and C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation.

2016, The Journal of the American Medical Association released an observational study that looked at more than 2,000 women between the ages of 27 and 70 who had undergone conventional breast cancer treatment. After analyzing this large group of women for four years, researchers determined that when women fasted 13 hours or more, they had a 64 percent less chance of recurrence of breast cancer. This is largely because fasting created a significant decrease in hemoglobin A1c, an indicator of blood glucose levels, and C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation.

Enhancing Health with Continuous Glucose Monitors: A Guide to Better Diabetes Management In the realm of diabetes management, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have emerged as revolutionary devices, providing real-time insights into blood sugar levels. These compact and efficient gadgets offer a proactive approach to diabetes care, helping individuals maintain optimal glucose levels and make informed decisions about their health. Continuous Glucose Monitors operate by constantly monitoring glucose levels in the interstitial fluid beneath the skin. Unlike traditional blood glucose meters that require manual testing, CGMs offer a seamless and less intrusive way to track glucose fluctuations throughout the day. This continuous monitoring provides a comprehensive view of how various factors, such as diet, exercise, and stress, impact blood sugar levels. One of the key advantages of CGMs is their ability to alert users to potential highs and lows before they become critical. This proactive feature empowers individuals to take timely action, whether it's adjusting their medication, making dietary changes, or engaging in physical activity. By doing so, CGMs play a crucial role in preventing severe complications associated with poorly managed diabetes. Moreover, Continuous Glucose Monitors are particularly beneficial for those with Type 1 diabetes, as they eliminate the need for frequent fingerstick tests. The convenience and accuracy of CGMs make them an invaluable tool for individuals looking to streamline their diabetes management routine. As the market for Continuous Glucose Monitors expands, it's essential to choose a reliable and trustworthy provider. Med Supply US stands out as a leading supplier of high-quality CGMs, offering cutting-edge devices that prioritize accuracy and user convenience. With a commitment to improving the lives of individuals managing diabetes, Med Supply US ensures access to state-of-the-art Continuous Glucose Monitors designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers. In conclusion, Continuous Glucose Monitors have transformed diabetes management by providing real-time insights and proactive alerts. Choosing a reputable supplier like Med Supply US ensures access to top-notch CGMs, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for individuals living with diabetes. Invest in your well-being with Continuous Glucose Monitors from Med Supply US.

But speaking of science, solid research shows all sorts of links between living in harmony with our truth and maintaining good health. There’s a whole field of medicine, psychoneuroimmunology, that focuses on the way psychological stress, including the stress of lying or keeping secrets, contributes to illness. Studies have linked deception and secret-keeping to elevated heart rate and blood pressure, increased stress hormones, higher bad-cholesterol and glucose levels, and reduced immune responses. The more significant our deceptive behavior, the worse the effect on health. For example, in one study of gay men with HIV, researchers discovered that the more closeted the men were about their sexuality, the faster their disease progressed. There was a dose-response relationship between the level of concealment and immune status—in other words, the greater the concealment, the higher the rates of disease and death. “Don’t ask, don’t tell” sounds benign, but living in even tacit separation from our real identity can literally hasten our death.

The Future of Diabetes Management: Continuous Glucose Monitors by Med Supply US In the realm of diabetes management, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have emerged as a revolutionary technology, transforming the way individuals monitor their blood sugar levels. Med Supply US, a leading name in healthcare solutions, is at the forefront of this innovation, offering cutting-edge CGM devices that enhance the quality of life for those with diabetes. What sets continuous glucose monitors apart is their ability to provide real-time glucose readings, allowing users to track their levels throughout the day and night, without the need for constant finger pricks. This continuous monitoring not only offers convenience but also helps individuals make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and insulin dosages. Med Supply US has established itself as a trusted provider of CGMs, offering a range of devices that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether it's the ease of use of their user-friendly interfaces or the accuracy of their readings, Med Supply US CGMs are designed to empower users in managing their diabetes effectively. One of the key advantages of Med Supply US CGMs is their compatibility with smartphone apps, allowing users to conveniently view their glucose data on their devices. This seamless integration with technology makes monitoring glucose levels more accessible and less intrusive, leading to better diabetes management outcomes. In conclusion, continuous glucose monitors by Med Supply US are revolutionizing diabetes management, offering a level of convenience, accuracy, and integration with technology that was previously unimaginable. With Med Supply US CGMs, individuals can take control of their diabetes with confidence, knowing that they have a reliable partner in their journey towards better health.

Fructose helps detox the liver from alcohol 80% faster. • Fructose increases CO2 and energy production. Fructose has little effect on increasing blood sugar and insulin levels. Increased insulin is needed for increased fat storage. Thus, ingestion of fructose has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Fructose can enter the cell without the assistance of insulin and can be used as energy. This makes food with fructose ideal for diabetics. Fructose can improve the retention of magnesium and other vital nutrients.

The Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitors on Diabetes Management Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized diabetes management by providing real-time insights into blood sugar levels. These small wearable devices offer a continuous stream of data, enabling individuals with diabetes to make informed decisions about their health. Unlike traditional glucose meters, which only provide a snapshot of blood sugar levels at a single moment, Continuous Glucose Monitors track fluctuations and trends throughout the day and night. This constant monitoring allows for better glycemic control and reduces the risk of complications associated with diabetes. One of the key benefits of CGMs is their ability to provide immediate feedback on how food, physical activity, and medication affect blood sugar levels. This empowers individuals to make timely adjustments to their lifestyle and treatment plans. Moreover, CGMs offer enhanced convenience by eliminating the need for frequent finger pricks. Instead, users can simply wear the device and receive continuous glucose readings without interruption. Another advantage of Continuous Glucose Monitors is the ability to set customizable alerts and alarms for high or low blood sugar levels. These notifications help individuals to take prompt action to prevent dangerous situations such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Furthermore, many CGM systems allow for data sharing with healthcare providers, facilitating more personalized and collaborative diabetes management. This improves communication between patients and healthcare professionals, leading to better treatment outcomes. Overall, Continuous Glucose Monitors have improved diabetes management by delivering real-time insights, convenience, and glycemic control. Embracing this technology can empower individuals with diabetes to take control of their health and live fuller, healthier lives.

the risk of oversimplifying a bit, the carbohydrate from our doughnut has two possible fates. First, it can be converted into glycogen, the storage form of glucose, suitable for use in the near term. About 75 percent of this glycogen ends up in skeletal muscle and the other 25 percent goes to the liver, although this ratio can vary. An adult male can typically store a total of about 1,600 calories worth of glycogen between these two sites, or about enough energy for two hours of vigorous endurance exercise. This is why if you are running a marathon or doing a long bike ride, and do not replenish your fuel stores in some way, you are likely to “bonk,” or run out of energy, which is not a pleasant experience. One of the liver’s many important jobs is to convert this stored glycogen back to glucose and then to release it as needed to maintain blood glucose levels at a steady state, known as glucose homeostasis.

Insulin resistance is a term that we hear a lot, but what does it really mean? Technically, it means that cells, initially muscle cells, have stopped listening to insulin’s signals, but another way to visualize it is to imagine the cell as a balloon being blown up with air. Eventually, the balloon expands to the point where it gets more difficult to force more air inside. You have to blow harder and harder. This is where insulin comes in, to help facilitate the process of blowing air into the balloon. The pancreas begins to secrete even more insulin, to try to remove excess glucose from the bloodstream and cram it into cells. For the time being it works, and blood glucose levels remain normal, but eventually you reach a limit where the “balloon” (cells) cannot accept any more “air” (glucose). This is when the trouble shows up on a standard blood test, as fasting blood glucose begins to rise. This means you have high insulin levels and high blood glucose, and your cells are shutting the gates to glucose entry. If things continue in this way, then the pancreas becomes fatigued and less able to mount an insulin response. This is made worse by, you guessed it, the fat now residing in the pancreas itself.

Carbohydrates are our primary energy source. In digestion, most carbohydrates are broken down to glucose, which is consumed by all cells to create energy in the form of ATP. Excess glucose, beyond what we need immediately, can be stored in the liver or muscles as glycogen for near-term use or socked away in adipose tissue (or other places) as fat. This decision is made with the help of the hormone insulin, which surges in response to the increase in blood glucose.

Lessons from Continuous Glucose Monitoring In the years that I have used CGM, I have gleaned the following insights—some of which may seem obvious, but the power of confirmation cannot be ignored: Not all carbs are created equal. The more refined the carb (think dinner roll, potato chips), the faster and higher the glucose spike. Less processed carbohydrates and those with more fiber, on the other hand, blunt the glucose impact. I try to eat more than fifty grams of fiber per day. Rice and oatmeal are surprisingly glycemic (meaning they cause a sharp rise in glucose levels), despite not being particularly refined; more surprising is that brown rice is only slightly less glycemic than long-grain white rice. Fructose does not get measured by CGM, but because fructose is almost always consumed in combination with glucose, fructose-heavy foods will still likely cause blood-glucose spikes. Timing, duration, and intensity of exercise matter a lot. In general, aerobic exercise seems most efficacious at removing glucose from circulation, while high-intensity exercise and strength training tend to increase glucose transiently, because the liver is sending more glucose into the circulation to fuel the muscles. Don’t be alarmed by glucose spikes when you are exercising. A good versus bad night of sleep makes a world of difference in terms of glucose control. All things equal, it appears that sleeping just five to six hours (versus eight hours) accounts for about a 10 to 20 mg/dL (that’s a lot!) jump in peak glucose response, and about 5 to 10 mg/dL in overall levels. Stress, presumably, via cortisol and other stress hormones, has a surprising impact on blood glucose, even while one is fasting or restricting carbohydrates. It’s difficult to quantify, but the effect is most visible during sleep or periods long after meals. Nonstarchy veggies such as spinach or broccoli have virtually no impact on blood sugar. Have at them. Foods high in protein and fat (e.g., eggs, beef short ribs) have virtually no effect on blood sugar (assuming the short ribs are not coated in sweet sauce), but large amounts of lean protein (e.g., chicken breast) will elevate glucose slightly. Protein shakes, especially if low in fat, have a more pronounced effect (particularly if they contain sugar, obviously). Stacking the above insights—in both directions, positive or negative—is very powerful. So if you’re stressed out, sleeping poorly, and unable to make time to exercise, be as careful as possible with what you eat. Perhaps the most important insight of them all? Simply tracking my glucose has a positive impact on my eating behavior. I’ve come to appreciate the fact that CGM creates its own Hawthorne effect, a phenomenon where study subjects change their behavior because they are being observed. It makes me think twice when I see the bag of chocolate-covered raisins in the pantry, or anything else that might raise my blood glucose levels.

What foods and decisions keep my blood glucose in the tight range of 70-140 mg/dl (4-8 mmol/l[*])?

Once You’re in Keto, How Can You Keep It Going Without Fasting? The short answer is: Eat a boatload of fat (~1.5 to 2.5 g per kilogram of body weight), next-to-no carbs, and moderate protein (1 to 1.5 g per kilogram of body weight) each day. We’ll look at Dom’s typical meals and day in a minute, but a few critical notes first: High protein and low fat doesn’t work. Your liver will convert excess amino acids into glucose and shut down ketogenesis. Fat as 70 to 85% of calories is required. This doesn’t mean you always have to eat rib eye steaks. A chicken breast by itself will kick you out of ketosis, but a chicken breast cut up into a green leafy salad with a lot of olive oil, feta cheese, and some Bulletproof Coffee (for example) can keep you in ketosis. One of the challenges of keto is the amount of fat one needs to consume to maintain it. Roughly 70 to 80% of your total calories need to come from fat. Rather than trying to incorporate fat bombs into all meals (one does get tired of fatty steak, eggs, and cheese over and over again), Dom will both drink fat between meals (e.g., coconut milk—not water—in coffee) and add in supplemental “ice cream,” detailed on page 29. Dom noticed that dairy can cause lipid profile issues (e.g., can spike LDL) and has started to minimize things like cream and cheese. I experienced the same. It’s easy to eat a disgusting amount of cheese to stay in keto. Consider coconut milk (Aroy-D Pure Coconut Milk) instead. Dom doesn’t worry about elevated LDL as long as other blood markers aren’t out of whack (high CRP, low HDL, etc.). From Dom: “The thing that I focus on most is triglycerides. If your triglycerides are elevated, that means your body is just not adapting to the ketogenic diet. Some people’s triglycerides are elevated even when their calories are restricted. That’s a sign that the ketogenic diet is not for you. . . . It’s not a one-size-fits-all diet.

for good health, avoid the scary and intense blood-sugar roller coaster (peaks followed by crashes) and stick to the cute and gentle blood-sugar caterpillar ride (slow and steady ups and downs). Having a high glucose response to your meals is a risk factor for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic disorders, and it’s also a predictor of higher overall mortality.

Nutrition and physical activity are important parts of a healthy lifestyle when you have diabetes. To manage your blood glucose, you need to balance what you eat and drink with physical activity and diabetes medicine, if you take any. What you choose to eat, how much you eat, and when you eat are all important in keeping your blood glucose level in the range that your health care team recommends.

But overall, blood glucose was responsible for only 23 percent of the variability in the insulin response. The vast majority of the insulin response (77 percent) has nothing to do with blood sugars. Insulin, not glucose, drives weight gain, and that changes everything. This point is precisely where glycemic index diets failed.

#5: Red wine. As we’ll see later in this section, for those without a history of alcoholism or problem drinking, a glass of red wine with dinner may lessen blood-sugar spikes by preventing intestinal glucose absorption and reducing your liver’s production of glucose

But after two years, the participants in the ketogenic group began to gain their weight back as they struggled to stay consistent. Those who ate according to their genotype not only lost significantly more weight but also reduced total cholesterol, increased the beneficial HDL cholesterol, and improved fasting blood glucose levels.

The Low Glycemic Index Treatment diet (LGIT) is a relatively new diet that was created by Dr. Elizabeth Thiele and dietitian Heidi Pfeifer at Massachusetts General Hospital about ten years ago. While it is still considered a high fat diet, it allows for greater freedom with 40 to 60 grams of carbohydrates, using only carbohydrates that are low on the glycemic index (GI) (<50). The GI is a measure of the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. The lower the number, the less the carbohydrate will alter your blood sugar level. When you hear the term “sugar rush,” that is often due to the rise of glucose in your bloodstream after consuming a sugar-rich food; foods that are high on the glycemic index raise the blood sugar levels in your body, and because all that goes up must come down, eventually the blood sugars will descend, causing the classic “crash” we’ve all felt hours

Unlocking the Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitors: A Comprehensive Guide Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized diabetes management, offering real-time insights into blood sugar levels like never before. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise globally, understanding the significance of CGMs becomes paramount. Let's delve into the world of CGMs, exploring their benefits, functionality, and impact on diabetes care. What are Continuous Glucose Monitors? Continuous Glucose Monitors are wearable devices that continuously track glucose levels throughout the day and night. Unlike traditional glucose meters, CGMs provide real-time data, offering a comprehensive view of glucose fluctuations and trends. Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitors Continuous Monitoring CGMs provide a continuous stream of glucose data, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and medication. Early Detection CGMs can detect both hypo- and hyperglycemic episodes before they become severe, enabling prompt intervention. Improved Diabetes Management By providing insights into how different factors affect blood sugar levels, CGMs facilitate personalized diabetes management strategies. Enhanced Quality of Life CGMs reduce the need for frequent fingerstick testing, minimizing discomfort and improving overall quality of life for individuals with diabetes. Remote Monitoring CGMs can be integrated with smartphone apps, allowing caregivers and healthcare providers to remotely monitor glucose levels and provide timely assistance. How do Continuous Glucose Monitors Work? CGMs consist of three main components: a sensor, transmitter, and receiver/display device. Measurement of glucose levels in the interstitial fluid is performed by the sensor, which is commonly inserted beneath the skin. The transmitter sends this data to the receiver/display device, where users can view real-time glucose readings and trends. Conclusion Continuous Glucose Monitors represent a significant advancement in diabetes management, offering unparalleled insights and convenience. With their ability to provide continuous glucose monitoring, early detection of fluctuations, and personalized insights, CGMs are transforming the lives of individuals with diabetes worldwide. Embracing this technology can lead to better diabetes management, improved quality of life, and reduced risk of diabetes-related complications.

The Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Living with diabetes requires constant vigilance over blood sugar levels. For decades, individuals with diabetes relied on periodic finger pricks to monitor glucose levels, but this method offered only snapshots of a dynamic condition. However, with the advent of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems like Dexcom, managing diabetes has entered a new era of convenience and precision. The Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring system is a game-changer for people with diabetes, offering real-time insights into glucose levels without the need for multiple finger pricks throughout the day. The system consists of a small sensor that is inserted just beneath the skin, typically on the abdomen, and continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. This sensor communicates wirelessly with a receiver or compatible smart device, providing users with real-time glucose readings every few minutes. One of the key advantages of the Dexcom CGM system is its ability to track glucose trends over time. By providing continuous data, users can see how their glucose levels respond to food, exercise, medication, and other factors, empowering them to make informed decisions about their diabetes management. Additionally, the system includes customizable alerts for high and low glucose levels, helping users proactively manage their condition and avoid dangerous fluctuations. The Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring system is not only beneficial for individuals with diabetes but also for their caregivers and healthcare providers. Caregivers can remotely monitor the glucose levels of loved ones, offering peace of mind and the ability to intervene quickly in case of emergencies. Healthcare providers can access detailed reports of a patient's glucose data, enabling more personalized treatment plans and adjustments to medication regimens. Furthermore, Dexcom has been at the forefront of innovation in CGM technology, continuously improving the accuracy, reliability, and usability of its systems. Recent advancements include longer sensor wear time, smaller and more comfortable sensors, and integration with insulin pumps and artificial pancreas systems for automated insulin delivery. In conclusion, the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring system has revolutionized diabetes management by providing real-time insights, customizable alerts, and greater convenience for users. With continuous advancements in technology, Dexcom continues to empower individuals with diabetes to live healthier, more active lives while effectively managing their condition.

It isn’t just our brains that struggle when we lie; our bodies weaken and falter as well. One study showed that people who present “an idealized image of themselves” had higher blood pressure and heart rates; greater hormonal reactions to stress; elevated cortisol, glucose, and cholesterol levels; and reduced immune-system functioning. Lying and keeping secrets have been linked to heart disease, certain cancers, and a host of emotional symptoms like depression, anxiety, and free-floating hostility.

The Game-Changer in Diabetes Management: Continuous Glucose Monitors Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized diabetes management, offering real-time insights into blood sugar levels like never before. In this article, we'll delve into the significance of CGMs, their benefits, and why they are a game-changer for individuals living with diabetes. Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitors Continuous Glucose Monitors are wearable devices that constantly monitor glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, providing users with real-time data on their blood sugar levels. Unlike traditional finger-prick tests, CGMs offer a continuous stream of information, allowing for proactive management of diabetes. Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitors Real-Time Monitoring: CGMs offer instant feedback on blood sugar levels, enabling users to make informed decisions about their diet, medication, and lifestyle choices. Early Detection of Trends: CGMs track glucose trends over time, allowing users to identify patterns and adjust their management strategies accordingly. Improved Diabetes Management: With continuous monitoring, individuals can better manage their blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia episodes. Enhanced Quality of Life: CGMs provide greater freedom and flexibility, reducing the need for frequent finger pricks and offering peace of mind to individuals and their caregivers. Why CGMs Are a Game-Changer Precision Medicine: Continuous Glucose Monitors enable personalized diabetes management by providing individualized insights into glucose fluctuations and responses to various factors. Empowerment Through Data: CGMs empower users with valuable data, enabling them to take control of their health and make informed decisions in collaboration with healthcare providers. Continuous Innovation: Advancements in CGM technology, such as improved accuracy and connectivity features, continue to enhance the user experience and expand the capabilities of these devices. Integration with Digital Health Ecosystem: CGMs seamlessly integrate with mobile apps and other digital health platforms, facilitating data sharing, remote monitoring, and telehealth consultations. Conclusion Continuous Glucose Monitors represent a significant advancement in diabetes management, offering real-time insights, personalized care, and improved quality of life for individuals living with diabetes. As technology continues to evolve, CGMs will play an increasingly vital role in empowering individuals to live healthier, more active lives while effectively managing their condition.

Here’s a research study that shows just how differently teens’ brains function: In a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) study, teenagers and adults were presented pictures of people who looked scared or anxious. The adults recognized the fear in the faces but placed the experiences in a larger context, so it didn’t affect them personally. The opposite was true of the teens: they did not report that the faces were fearful, but they became emotionally involved and reported more fear and anxiety themselves. In teens, the parts of the brain that process gut reactions and primitive emotions — the amygdala and insula — were active. But in adults, the frontal lobes were activated as well. In other words, the teenagers’ brains responded emotionally. They felt upset but their brains did not identify the source of those feelings. The adults’ brains added reason to that response. Remember this when your teen gets upset “for no reason.” He may not be able to say why he’s feeling that way, but his feelings are still valid. He doesn’t have the connections between his rational brain and his emotional brain that would allow him to explain it. Logic doesn’t help because the teen’s brain cannot follow abstract logic. They are doing the best they can with the brain connections they have. This is especially true if your teen is a boy. As we see later, girls have more connections between their emotional and executive centers. Astrocytes: Functional and structural support Astrocytes are another class of glial cells. They are star-shaped, hence their name, and provide structural and functional support for the neuron. Astrocytes form the matrix that keeps neurons in place. But they are more than inert bricks in a passive wall. Rather, they function more like the mother who ensures her children have brushed their teeth, are wearing their coats in winter, and are eating good meals. An astrocyte is pictured in Figure 3.3. Astrocytes sit between blood vessels and neurons and breakdown glucose from the capillaries into lactic acid, which the mitochondria of the neurons use for energy. As a wise mother, they do not break down all of the glycogen they receive from the blood, but create a reserve for times when the metabolic need of neurons are especially high.

Use a continuous glucose monitor to track your response to food. Try Levels Health to track your blood sugar and progress (levelshealth.com/

So is that all there is to the food dose? Just counting the carbs and applying the I:C ratio? Unfortunately, no. As described in Chapter 4, fiber should be deducted from the total carb counts, and dietary protein can also contribute to a rise in the blood sugar level—particularly when there is little to no carbohydrate in a meal. When this occurs, some of the protein from your food will be converted to glucose. When having meals with very little carbohydrate, assume that 50 percent of the protein will be converted to glucose, and dose for this amount as if it were carbohydrate

So is that all there is to the food dose? Just counting the carbs and applying the I:C ratio? Unfortunately, no. As described in Chapter 4, fiber should be deducted from the total carb counts, and dietary protein can also contribute to a rise in the blood sugar level—particularly when there is little to no carbohydrate in a meal. When this occurs, some of the protein from your food will be converted to glucose. When having meals with very little carbohydrate, assume that 50 percent of the protein will be converted to glucose, and dose for this amount as if it were carbohydrate.

Was Arben alive when they brought him here, or had he lapsed into a diabetic coma? When the brain doesn't get enough glucose, or receives too much, it cannot function properly. The symptoms can appear slowly: an altered mental state, an inability to speak, drowsiness, weakness, headaches, restlessness, shaking, an irregular heartbeat, an eventually the loss of consciousness. If left untreated, it results in permanent brain damage and utlmately, death.

The alarm that goes off in our head makes our neurons activate the pituitary gland, which produces hormones that release corticotropin, which in turn circulates through the body via the sympathetic nervous system. The adrenal gland is then triggered to release adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline raises our respiratory rate and pulse and prepares our muscles for action, getting the body ready to react to perceived danger, while cortisol increases the release of dopamine and blood glucose, which is what gets us “charged up” and allows us to face challenges.

Metabolic syndrome is clinically defined as having three or more of the following traits: Fasting glucose of 100 mg/dL or higher A waistline of more than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men HDL cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women Triglycerides of 150 mg/dL or higher Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg or higher

Fructose, the main sugar we’ll be discussing here, is a type of carbohydrate. It is chemically similar to another commonly discussed sugar, glucose; both are “simple sugars,” as they exist as single molecules. Fructose is commonly referred to as fruit sugar because it is the major sugar in fruit and honey and is the reason these foods taste sweet. Glucose, although it is also found in grains, beans, and vegetables, is sometimes referred to as blood sugar, as it is the major sugar found in our blood. It is also the main fuel used by the body.

GOOD ENERGY BIOMARKERS AND MOVEMENT When you’re striving to be part of the 6.8 percent of metabolically healthy Americans, regular movement will help you get there. Research shows that exercise improves all five of the following basic biomarkers of metabolism: Glucose Levels Above 100 mg/dL: Twelve-week exercise programs of either high-intensity running (40 minutes per week) or low-intensity running (150 minutes per week) both brought participants’ blood sugar from the prediabetic range (100 mg/dL or greater) to the nondiabetic range (<100 mg/dL). HDL Cholesterol Less Than 40 mg/dL: A 2019 review of the literature showed that exercise increased HDL cholesterol, “with exercise volume, rather than intensity, having a greater influence.” Meanwhile, “raising HDL levels pharmacologically has not shown convincing clinical benefits.” Triglycerides Above 150 mg/dL: Numerous studies have demonstrated that physical activity effectively lowers triglyceride levels. In a 2019 study, an eight-week moderate aerobic exercise program significantly reduced triglyceride levels in participants. Furthermore, even a single session of intense aerobic exercise has been found to decrease triglyceride levels the following day. This positive effect could be due to the increased activity of hepatic lipase in the liver, an enzyme that facilitates the absorption of triglyceride from the bloodstream. Blood Pressure of 130/85 mmHg or Higher: Research has shown the effects of exercise among populations with high blood pressure were similar to the effects of commonly used medications. A Waistline of More Than 35 Inches for Women and 40 Inches for Men: Not surprisingly, regular exercise can help decrease obesity by increasing energy expenditure and promoting weight loss. Research shows a clear inverse relationship between the amount of movement people do each week and the size of their waistline: more movement, smaller waist circumference. What’s more, lower activity (fewer than 5,100 steps per day) yields a 2.5 times higher risk of central obesity than higher activity (more than 8,985 steps per day).

The difference in the ability of carbohydrates to raise blood glucose is reflected in a measurement called the glycemic index. A food’s glycemic index is a numeric value representing its ability to increase blood glucose two hours after a meal.

From a nutrition standpoint, the observation that a high-salt diet can cause obesity may seem surprising. Salt has no calories. However, in our study, the reason a high-salt diet caused obesity was not the salt itself, but rather the high salt concentration in the blood that activated the polyol system. That system converted much of the glucose the mice ate to fructose, which was then metabolized, activating the survival switch.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring I believe CGM is the most powerful technology for generating the data and awareness to rectify our Bad Energy crisis in the Western world. A CGM is a biosensor that can alert us to early dysfunction, coach us on how to eat and live in a way that promotes Good Energy in our unique bodies, and promote accountability. My belief in the potential of this technology to reduce global metabolic suffering is why I cofounded Levels, which enables access to CGMs and software to understand and interpret the data. A CGM is a small plastic disc worn on the arm that automatically tests your blood sugar roughly every ten minutes, twenty-four hours a day. And it sends that information to your smartphone.

The brain has a preferred fuel, glucose. Normally, glucose is carried in the blood (where it is often referred to as “blood sugar”), from which it is taken up into muscle, the liver, and the brain as a fuel. For glucose to enter muscle and the liver, the hormone insulin is required, whereas it can enter most regions of the brain even when insulin is absent. The clever way animals respond to food shortage is by making insulin less effective at moving glucose into muscle and the liver. With less glucose going into these tissues, levels in the blood rise, thereby ensuring sufficient glucose for the brain. This phenomenon is called insulin resistance.

When it hibernates, a complete reversal occurs. The animal stops eating and lives off its fat, depending on it to provide the energy and water it needs. It initially stays insulin resistant so that the brain receives sufficient glucose. And when glucose stores eventually run low, leading blood levels to fall, it uses breakdown products from fat called ketones to fuel the brain.

not diets, and there is space on all our plates for a little bit of everything—including sugar. Knowing how glucose works has helped me understand that better than ever. On the topic of being moderate, I want to note three important things to keep in mind as you read this book. First, glucose isn’t everything. Some foods will keep your glucose levels completely steady but aren’t great for your health. For instance, industrial processed oils and trans fats age, inflame, and hurt our organs, but they don’t cause glucose spikes. Alcohol is another example—it doesn’t spike our glucose levels, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for us, either.

Exploring the Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) In the world of diabetes management, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have emerged as a game-changing technology. These small devices are designed to provide real-time data on blood glucose levels, offering numerous advantages for individuals living with diabetes. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of CGMs and why they are becoming an indispensable tool for managing diabetes.

Exploring the Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) In the world of diabetes management, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have emerged as a game-changing technology. These small devices are designed to provide real-time data on blood glucose levels, offering numerous advantages for individuals living with diabetes. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of CGMs and why they are becoming an indispensable tool for managing diabetes. Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous Glucose Monitors provide a continuous stream of data, allowing users to monitor their glucose levels 24/7. This real-time feedback helps individuals make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and insulin administration. Improved Glycemic Control: With constant glucose tracking, users can spot trends and patterns in their blood sugar levels. This insight enables them to make proactive adjustments to their diabetes management plan, leading to better glycemic control. Reduced Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia: CGMs can provide early warnings of impending hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), reducing the risk of severe blood sugar fluctuations and related complications.

The best thing you can do to flatten your glucose curves is to eat a savory breakfast.

Fructose molecules glycate things 10 times as fast as glucose, generating that much more damage. Again, this is another reason why spikes from sugary foods such as cookies (which contain fructose) make us age faster than do spikes from starchy foods such as pasta (which doesn’t).

From these studies, it seems quite clear that we want to lower average blood glucose and reduce the amount of variability from day to day and hour to hour.

TRY THIS: Next time you sit down for a meal, eat the veggies and proteins first and the carbs last. Note how you feel after eating compared to how you usually feel after a meal.

Foods containing fat also slow down gastric emptying, so eating them before rather than after carbs also helps flatten our glucose curves. The takeaway? Eating carbs after everything else is the best move.

Learning can be draining. The average adult human brain weighs only about three pounds, but it’s an energy hog, consuming an inordinate amount of glucose, oxygen, and blood flow. As the brain takes in new information, millions of neurons are firing at once, burning energy and leading to fatigue and exhaustion.

Understanding the Cost of Continuous Glucose Monitors with Med Supply US Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have revolutionized diabetes management by providing real-time data on blood glucose levels. Among the providers offering a range of CGM options, Med Supply US stands out as a trusted source for individuals seeking these essential devices in Miami, New York, and Florida. Let's delve into the cost of CGMs and how Med Supply US plays a pivotal role in making them accessible. CGMs are crucial tools for people with diabetes, allowing them to monitor their glucose levels 24/7. These devices not only offer convenience but also help in preventing dangerous spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. However, one of the primary concerns for many individuals is the cost associated with CGMs.

Fiber has three superpowers: First, it reduces the action of alpha-amylase, the enzyme that breaks starch down into glucose molecules. Second, it slows down gastric emptying: when fiber is present, food trickles from sink to pipe more slowly. Finally, it creates a viscous mesh in the small intestine; this mesh makes it harder for glucose to make it through to the bloodstream. Through these mechanisms, fiber slows down the breakdown and absorption of any glucose that lands in the sink after it; the result is that fiber flattens our glucose curves.

2011 study looking at twenty thousand people, mostly without type 2 diabetes, found that their risk of mortality increased monotonically with their average blood glucose levels (measured via HbA1c). The higher their blood glucose, the greater their risk of death—even in the nondiabetic range of blood glucose. Another study in 2019 looked at the degree of variation in subjects’ blood glucose levels and found that the people in the highest quartile of glucose variability had a 2.67 times greater risk of mortality than those in the lowest (most stable) quartile.

Exploring the Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) In the world of diabetes management, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have emerged as a game-changing technology. These small devices are designed to provide real-time data on blood glucose levels, offering numerous advantages for individuals living with diabetes. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of CGMs and why they are becoming an indispensable tool for managing diabetes. Real-Time Monitoring: CGMs provide a continuous stream of data, allowing users to monitor their glucose levels 24/7. This real-time feedback helps individuals make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and insulin administration. Improved Glycemic Control: With constant glucose tracking, users can spot trends and patterns in their blood sugar levels. This insight enables them to make proactive adjustments to their diabetes management plan, leading to better glycemic control.

Every second, your body burns 8 billion billion molecules of glucose. To put that into perspective, if each glucose molecule were a grain of sand, you’d burn every single grain of sand on all the beaches of the earth every ten minutes.

Exploring the Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) In the world of diabetes management, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have emerged as a game-changing technology. These small devices are designed to provide real-time data on blood glucose levels, offering numerous advantages for individuals living with diabetes. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of CGMs and why they are becoming an indispensable tool for managing diabetes.

Exploring the Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) In the world of diabetes management, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have emerged as a game-changing technology. These small devices are designed to provide real-time data on blood glucose levels, offering numerous advantages for individuals living with diabetes. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of CGMs and why they are becoming an indispensable tool for managing diabetes.

insulin carries glucose, or blood sugar, to the cells, where your body can use it for energy. Excess glucose is converted to fat and stored for future use.)

Glikoz ve insülin seviyeleri üstünde yan etkisi olmayan en iyi tatlandırıcılar şunlardır: - Alüloz - Keşiş meyvesi - Stevya (Saf stevya özütü arayın çünkü diğer formları glikozu yükselten katkı maddeleriyle karıştırılır.) - Eritritol Kaçınmanızı önereceğim bazı yapay tatlandırıcılar var çünkü bunların özellikle yiyeceklerle birleştirildikleri zaman insülin ya da glikoz seviyelerini artırdığı ya da diğer sağlık sorunlarına yol açtıkları biliniyor. İşte onların listesi: - Aspartam - Maltitol (Sindirilince glikoza dönüşür.) - Sukraloz - Ksilitol - Asesülfam-K

... Glikoz artışı zirveye ulaştığı zaman hareketsiz kalırsak, glikoz hücrelerimize akar ve mitokondrimizi altüst eder. Serbest radikaller üretilir, enflamasyon artar ve glikoz fazlası karaciğerde, kaslarda ve yağlarda depolanır. Öte yandan bağırsağımızdan kan dolaşımımıza ilerlerken kaslarımızı kasarsak, mitokondrimiz daha yüksek bir yakma kapasitesine ulaşır. O kadar hızlı altüst olmaz ve ekstra glikozu çalışan kaslarımıza yakıt olarak ATP yapmak için kullanmak mitokondrimizi çok mutlu eder. Sürekli glikoz takip grafiğinde aradaki fark çok çarpıcıdır.

Yemeklerden sonra spor salonuna gitmek isterseniz bunun daha da fazla faydası olacaktır. gerçi bazı insanlar dolu bir mideyle yoğun egzersiz yapmakta zorlanabilir. İyi haber şu ki ani glikoz artışını yumuşatmak için yemeğinizin bitmesinden itibaren yetmiş dakika içinde egzersize başlayabilirsiniz: Ani glikoz artışı, zirvesine yaklaşık yetmiş dakikada ulaşır, bu yüzden kaslarınızı daha önce kullanmak ideal olandır. Ayrıca şınav çekerek, squat ya da plank hareketi veya ağırlık kaldırma egzersizleri yaparak da kaslarınızı yoğun bir şekilde kullanabilirsiniz. Direnç egzersizlerinin (ağırlık kaldırma) ani glikoz artışını %30'a ve sonraki yirmi dört saat boyunca gerçekleşecek diğer artışları%35'e kadar düşürdüğü görüldü. Ani glikoz artışını tamamen yatıştırabilmek çok nadiren mümkün olur ama en azından hatırı sayılır bir düşüş sağlayabilirsiniz. Can alıcı nokta şu: Yemekten sonra hareket ettiğimiz zaman glikoz eğrimizi insülin seviyemizi artırmadan düzleştiririz, tıpkı sirke örneğinde olduğu gibi. Kaslarımız normalde glikozu depolamak için insüline ihtiyaç duyar ama eğer kaslarımız zaten o sırada kasılıyorsa, glikozu alabilmek için insüline ihtiyaç duymaz. Kaslarımız ne kadar kasılır ve glikozu insüline ihtiyaç duymadan alırsa, ani glikoz artışı da o kadar az olur, böylece pankreas kalan glikozla baş etmek için daha az insülin sevk eder. Bu her şeyiyle harika bir haber. Bir yemeğin üstüne on dakikalık bir yürüyüşe çıkmak bile yediğimiz şeyin yan etkilerini hafifletir. Egzersiz süresi ne kadar uzarsa glikoz ve insülin eğrilerimiz o kadar düzleşir.

Yemekten sonra egzersiz yapmak en iyi seçenek gibi görünmekle birlikte öncesinde yapmak da faydalı. Obez insanlarla yapılan bir direnç antrenmanı çalışmasında, yemekten önce egzersiz yapmak (egzersiz bittikten otuz dakika sonra yemek yemek) ani glikoz artışını %18, ani insülin artışını %35 oranında düşürdü. Buna karşılık, egzersize yemekten kırk beş dakika sonra başlandığında glikoz artışının %30, insülin artışının %48 oranında azaldığı görüldü.

Make a list of some of the things that can go wrong from the last two chapters: elevated insulin levels in the blood. Elevated glucose levels. Elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Insulin resistance. Too much LDL-cholesterol. Too little HDL. Too much fat or cholesterol in the blood. Suffer from a subset of these, and you’ve got Metabolic syndrome (the formal diagnosis involves “one or more” from a list of some of these problems, and “two or more” from a list of the others).

if you wake up to a breakfast of nothing but eggs and bacon, you may see a noticeable glucose rise a few hours later even though there was virtually no carbohydrate in the meal. However, if toast is included with the breakfast, the protein in the bacon and eggs will have little to no effect on the blood sugar level.

begins to digest; this continues for several more hours. Step 3: The level of triglycerides in the bloodstream rises. Step 4: High triglycerides in the bloodstream cause the liver to become resistant to insulin. Step 5: When the liver is not responding well to insulin, it secretes more glucose than usual into the bloodstream. Step 6: The blood glucose rises steadily as the liver’s glucose output goes up.

The combination of too many free radicals, oxidative stress, and glycation leads to a generalized state of inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a protective measure; it’s the result of the body trying to defend against invaders. But chronic inflammation is harmful because it turns against our own body. From the outside, you might see redness and swelling, and on the inside, tissues and organs are slowly getting damaged. Inflammation can also be driven up by alcohol, smoking, stress, leaky gut syndrome, and substances released by body fat. Chronic inflammation is the source of most chronic illnesses, such as stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, heart disorders, liver disease, obesity, and diabetes. The World Health Organization calls inflammation-based diseases “the greatest threat to human health.” Worldwide, three out of five people will die of an inflammation-based disease. The good news is, a diet that reduces glucose spikes decreases inflammation and along with it your risk of contracting any of these inflammation-based diseases.

Based on the science, I love any meal that starts with a salad. Unfortunately, many dining experiences don’t set us up for success: restaurants serve bread while you’re waiting for food. Starting with starch is the absolute opposite of what you ought to do. It will lead to a glucose spike that you won’t be able to tame, then a crash later on—which will intensify your cravings.

Several professional groups, including the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, recommend adjusting insulin doses based on the rate of change that is taking place. Why? Consider the purpose of bolus insulin: to have the glucose level back into one’s target range by the time the bolus has finished working (typically three to four hours later). The usual bolus dosing formulas take the current glucose level into account and assume that the glucose is stable at the time the bolus is given. However, if the glucose is rising, the blood sugar is likely to be above target when that usual bolus has finished working. And if the glucose is falling, the blood sugar is likely to wind up below target.

The beta cells constantly measure blood glucose levels and produce insulin, as needed, to keep blood sugar within a normal range. Beta cells also secrete amylin, a hormone that helps regulate the rate at which food digests.

But Sunkist forgot to mention that fruit juice is very bad for us and we can get vitamins and antioxidants in dozens of other foods that don't hurt us in the process.

high blood pressure (>130/85) high triglycerides (>150 mg/dL) low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women) central adiposity (waist circumference >40 inches in men or >35 in women) elevated fasting glucose (>110 mg/dL)

Lifin üç süper gücü vardır: Öncelikle nişastayı glikoz moleküllerine parçalayan alfa-amilazın aksiyonunu azaltır. İkinci olarak, gastrik boşalmayı yavaşlatır: Lif olduğu zaman, yiyecek lavabodan boruya daha yavaş geçer. Son olarak ince bağırsakta koyu kıvamlı bir ağ oluşturur ve bu ağ, glikozun kan dolaşımına karışmasını zorlaştırır. Bu mekanizmalar aracılığıyla lif, sonrasında lavaboya inen her glikozun parçalanmasını ve emilimini yavaşlatır: Sonuç olarak lif, glikoz eğrilerimizi düzleştirir. Liften sonra yediğimiz her nişasta veya şekerin vücudumuz üzerinde daha az etkisi olacaktır. Yemekten aynı zevki alırız ama onunla ilgili daha az sonuçla karşılaşırız.

... İyi ya da kötü şeker diye bir şey yoktur. Üretildikleri bitkiden bağımsız olarak bütün şekerler aynıdır. Önemli olan moleküllerdir: İnce bağırsağınıza ulaştıkları zaman hepsi glikoz ve fruktozdan ibarettir. Vücudunuz şeker pancarından, agave ya da mangodan gelen şekeri farklı şekilde işlemez. Bir meyve doğallığından çıkarılıp işlendiği ve lifi çıkarıldığı anda, diğer şekerlerden bir farkı kalmaz. Kurutulmuş meyvelerde hala bir miktar lif olduğu doğrudur. Ama bu durumda meyvenin suyu tamamen alındığı için bütün meyvelerden çok daha fazla miktarda kurutulmuş meyve tüketiriz. Böylece çok daha fazla miktarda şekeri doğanın uygun gördüğünden çok daha hızlı bir şekilde tüketmiş oluruz ve sonuç çok büyük ani glikoz ve fruktoz artışları olur.

Vücudumuzda yıllarca süren ani glikoz artışlarıyla birikmiş çok fazla insülin olduğu zaman hormonlarımızın kafası karışır. Bize doyduğumuzu ve yemeye son vermemizi söyleyen leptin hormonunun sinyali engellenirken, bize aç olduğumuzu söyleyen grelin hormonu kontrolü ele geçirir. Bolca enerji içeren yağ rezervlerimiz olmasına rağmen vücudumuz bize daha fazlasına ihtiyacımız olduğunu söyler ve sonuç olarak bir şeyler yeriz.

Bütün organlarımız arasında en fazla enerjiyi beynimiz kullanır. Çok sayıda mitokondrinin yuvasıdır. Yani vücudumuzda glikoz fazlası olduğu zaman, beynimiz sonuçlara karşı savunmasız kalır. Beynimizdeki nöronlar diğer bütün hücreler gibi oksidatif stres hisseder, tekrarlayan ani glikoz artışları oksidatif stresi artırdıkları için nöroenflamasyona ve zaman içinde bilişsel işlev bozukluğuna yol açarlar. Üstüne üstlük kronik enflamasyon, Alzheimer dahil bütün kronik dejeneratif hastalıklar için kilit faktördür. Hatta glikoz düzeyleri Alzheimer'la o kadar ilişkilidir ki Alzheimer bazen "tip 3 diyabet" ya da "beyin diyabeti" olarak adlandırılır. Örneğin, tip 2 diyabetli insanların Alzheimer geliştirme olasılığı, diyabetli olmayanlardan dört kat fazladır. İşaretler de kendini erkenden belli eder: Tip 2 diyabetli insanlarda glikozun yeterince kontrol altına alınmaması hafıza ve öğrenme sorunlarıyla ilişkilendirilir.

Mitokondriyal bozukluklarla doğan insanlar, böyle bir bozukluğu olmayan insanların yarısı kadar süre egzersiz yapabilirler. Mitokondriye zarar verdiğiniz zaman çocuğunuzu kucağınıza almak daha zor gelir, alışveriş çantalarını taşımak yorucu olur ve stresle (işten çıkarılma ya da ayrılık gibi) eskisi kadar iyi baş edemezsiniz. Fiziksel ve zihinsel açıdan zorlu olayları aşmak için mitokondri tarafından üretilen enerjiye ihtiyaç duyarız. Tatlı bir şey yediğimiz zaman vücudumuzun enerji almasına yardımcı olduğumuzu düşünebiliriz ama bu sadece beynimize hücum ederek bizi iyi hissettiren dopaminin neden olduğu bir izlenimdir. Her ani artışla, mitokondrimizin uzun vadeli becerisine biraz daha zarar veririz. Glikozun bir yükselip bir düşmesine neden olan diyetler, glikoz eğrilerini düzleştirenlerden daha fazla yorgunluğa neden olur.

Neler yeşil başlangıç sayılır? Fırınlanmış kuşkonmazdan lahana salatasına, ızgara kabaktan rendelenmiş havuca kadar her sebze uygundur. Enginar, roka, brokoli, Brüksel lahanası, patlıcan, marul, bezelye filizi, domates, baklagiller, fasulyegiller ve natto gibi (soya fasülyesinden yapılan bir Japon yiyeceği) çözülebilir lifli yiyecekler sayılabilir. Ne kadar çok lif, o kadar iyi. Yeri gelmişken, sebzeleri çiğ ya da pişmiş olarak yiyebilirsiniz. Ama suyu sıkılmış ya da püre hallerinden kaçının çünkü ya içlerindeki lif eksilir (suyu sıkılmış halinde) ya da tamamen yok olur (püre örneğinde).

Fasting glucose of 100 mg/dL or higher A waistline of more than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men HDL cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women Triglycerides of 150 mg/dL or higher Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg or higher

Each sugar molecule attracted dozens of water molecules to stay circulating in his system. In many ways, abundant sugar acted like tiny sponges trapping water inside David’s blood. Glucose absorbed toxic amounts of fluid and kept it from leaving his circulation. This excess fluid, called inflammation, injured the tissues as the fluid stretched each cell to its limits. Failure to reduce David’s sugar not only expanded the volume of liquid pumping through his veins, it inflamed every cell that used sugar.

Elevated blood sugars populated David’s brain the same way they swamped his blood. His increased blood sugar correlated with increasing glucose within his brain. David’s mind became toxic from that increased amount of sugar sponged with water. Plumped up thinking cells were bogged down with too much glucose and the accompanying fluid. Swollen brain cells clouded David’s thinking, much like a concussion. He couldn’t focus as the electrical messages short-circuited in this swamp of sugar-water. His thoughts drifted away, and sometimes his speech slurred. If David recruited most of his brain cells into this toxicity, he would have slipped into a coma and died. It’s true!

syndrome. Metabolic syndrome means cells are struggling to get their jobs done because of problems in their energy production system. Metabolic syndrome is clinically defined as having three or more of the following traits: Fasting glucose of 100 mg/dL or higher A waistline of more than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men HDL cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women Triglycerides of 150 mg/dL or higher Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg or higher The reason you want to know whether your markers have tipped into suboptimal states is that it gives you a surefire clue that the Bad Energy processes are happening inside the cells.

chronically elevated insulin levels and all the fun that brings: Increased rates of cancer, accelerated aging, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, obesity and, ultimately, type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance and chronically elevated blood glucose levels.

As you read this, in the five cups of tofu-like tissue inside your head, nested amid a trillion support cells, 80 to 100 billion neurons are signaling one another in a network with about half a quadrillion connections, called synapses. All this incredibly fast, complex, and dynamic neural activity is continually changing your brain. Active synapses become more sensitive, new synapses start growing within minutes, busy regions get more blood since they need more oxygen and glucose to do their work, and genes inside neurons turn on or off. Meanwhile, less active connections wither away in a process sometimes called neural Darwinism: the survival of the busiest.

following a strength-training program featuring natural, total-body movements (squats, pushups, pull-ups, etc.) helps you develop and maintain lean muscle mass, increase metabolism to maintain low levels of body fat, increase bone density, prevent injuries, and enjoy balanced hormone and blood glucose levels.

anything that works to transport more glucose into the fat cells—insulin, for example, or rising blood sugar—will lead to the conversion of more fatty acids into triglycerides, and the storage of more calories as fat.

your need to consume calories on a regular schedule will diminish substantially when blood glucose levels are moderated and you start burning fat and ketones more efficiently through low-insulin

Many people think that the high blood sugar seen in diabetes is due to a failure in clearance because the cells cannot take up the glucose in the blood for fuel. Even the textbooks say it. Glucose enters cells through a receptor called GLUT4. While the number of GLUT4 receptors in people with diabetes does not increase in response to dietary glucose as much as it does in healthy people, it this seems that this is not the major cause of hyperglycemia. People with diabetes still have enough of these receptors under most conditions. The major problem, as shown in Figure 10-1, appears to be the persistence of glucose production from the liver.

Wolever and Jenkins tested sixty-two foods and recorded the blood-sugar response in the two hours after consumption. Different individuals responded differently, and the variation from day to day was “tremendous,” as Wolever says, but the response to a specific food was still reasonably consistent. They also tested a solution of glucose alone to provide a benchmark, which they assigned a numerical value of 100. Thus the glycemic index became a comparison of the blood-sugar response induced by a particular carbohydrate food to the response resulting from drinking a solution of glucose alone. The higher the glycemic index, the faster the digestion of the carbohydrates and the greater the resulting blood sugar and insulin. White bread, they reported, had a glycemic index of 69; white rice, 72; corn flakes, 80; apples, 39; ice cream, 36. The presence of fat and protein in a food decreased the blood-sugar response, and so decreased the glycemic index. One

Glucose goes directly into the bloodstream and is taken up by tissues and organs to use as energy; only 30–40 percent passes through the liver. Fructose passes directly to the liver, where it is metabolized almost exclusively. As a result, fructose “constitutes a metabolic load targeted on the liver,” the Israeli diabetologist Eleazar Shafrir says, and the liver responds by converting it into triglycerides—fat—and then shipping it out on lipoproteins for storage. The more fructose in the diet, the higher the subsequent triglyceride levels in the blood.*58

In particular, raising blood sugar will increase the production of what are known technically as reactive oxygen species and advanced glycation end-products, both of which are potentially toxic. The former are generated primarily by the burning of glucose (blood sugar) for fuel in the cells, in a process that attaches electrons to oxygen atoms, transforming the oxygen from a relatively inert molecule into one that is avid to react chemically with other molecules. This is not an ideal situation biologically. One form of reactive oxygen species is those known commonly as free radicals, and all of them together are known as oxidants, because what they do is oxidize other molecules (the same chemical reaction that causes iron to rust, and equally deleterious). The object of oxidation slowly deteriorates. Biologists refer to this deterioration as oxidative stress. Antioxidants neutralize reactive oxygen species, which is why antioxidants have become a popular buzzword in nutrition discussions. The

given sufficient time, high-fructose diets can induce high insulin levels, high blood sugar, and insulin resistance, even though in the short term fructose has little effect on either blood sugar or insulin and so a very low glycemic index. It has also been known since the 1960s that fructose elevates blood pressure more than an equivalent amount of glucose does, a phenomenon called fructose-induced hypertension. Because

the first day of fasting, the blood Sugar level drops below 70mg/dl. To restore the blood to the normal glucose level, liver glycogen is converted to glucose and released into the blood. This reserve is enough for a half day. The body then reduces the basal metabolic rate (BMR). The rate of internal chemical activity in resting tissue is lowered to conserve energy. The heart slows and blood pressure is reduced. Glycogen is pulled from the muscle causing some weakness. The first wave of cleansing is usually the worst.   Headaches,

The most important and most easily measured would be waist circumference. But other factors include small, dense LDL (or a high apoB or LDL particle number), high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high fasting glucose. If your triglycerides are elevated and your HDL is low, that’s a very good sign you have metabolic syndrome and should address it by restricting the carbohydrates and particularly the sugars in the diet. 12.

Here are a few things yoga nidra can do: Activate the relaxation response and deactivate the stress response (which improves functioning of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and the endocrine system). Increase immunity and the ability to fight germs and infections (Kumar 2013a, 82–94) Improve heart functioning by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol (Pandya and Kumar 2007) Decrease pain Improve control of fluctuating blood glucose and symptoms associated with diabetes (Amita et al. 2009) Significantly improve anxiety, depression, and well-being in patients with menstrual irregularities and in those having psychological problems (Rani et al. 2011) Manage pre- and postsurgical conditions (Kumar 2013a, 56) Reduce insomnia and improve sleep: while not intended as a substitute for sleep, one hour of effective yoga nidra practice is equivalent to about four hours of sleep (Kumar 2013a) Increase energy, especially when needed most Reduce worry and enhance clear thinking and problem solving Improve and refresh your outlook Replace mood swings and emotional upsets with greater emotional understanding and stability Develop intuition and increase creativity Improve meditation and enhance its benefits Integrate, heal, and revitalize your body, mind, and spirit Enhance your Self-awareness and ability to experience witness consciousness (defined later in this chapter) Transform thoughts and feelings of separation into a direct experience of wholeness Finally, one of yoga nidra’s prime benefits is that it brings yoga’s essential teachings to life that have been handed down to us over the ages from the Upanishads, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita, Tantric texts, and others.

The vitamin-C molecule is similar in configuration to glucose and other sugars in the body. It is shuttled from the bloodstream into the cells by the same insulin-dependent transport system used by glucose. Glucose and vitamin C compete in this cellular-uptake process, like strangers trying to flag down the same taxicab simultaneously. Because glucose is greatly favored in the contest, the uptake of vitamin C by cells is “globally inhibited” when blood-sugar levels are elevated. In effect, glucose regulates how much vitamin C is taken up by the cells, according to the University of Massachusetts nutritionist John Cunningham. If we increase blood-sugar levels, the cellular uptake of vitamin C will drop accordingly. Glucose also impairs the reabsorption of vitamin C by the kidney, and so, the higher the blood sugar, the more vitamin C will be lost in the urine. Infusing insulin into experimental subjects has been shown to cause a “marked fall” in vitamin-C levels in the circulation. In

Glucose in the blood is quickly removed from the blood as the cells use it for fuel or stored due to the presence of insulin. Once glucose

The higher your insulin level, the less fat is released back into your system to be used as fuel. So when you eat a high-carb meal, particularly one high in refined starches and sugar, your insulin shoots up to remove the glucose from your blood and tuck it away in cells, and your fat usage simultaneously goes way down. Simply put, your body always gives carbs priority treatment.

And when the carbs you do eat are in the form of high-fiber foods, which convert to glucose relatively slowly, you shouldn’t experience extremes in your blood sugar levels.

LESSONS FROM A WHEAT-FREE EXPERIMENT An interesting fact: Whole wheat bread (glycemic index 72) increases blood sugar as much as or more than table sugar, or sucrose (glycemic index 59). (Glucose increases blood sugar to 100, hence a glycemic index of 100. The extent to which a particular food increases blood sugar relative to glucose determines that food’s glycemic index.) So when I was devising a strategy to help my overweight, diabetes-prone patients reduce blood sugar most efficiently, it made sense to me that the quickest and simplest way to get results would be to eliminate the foods that caused their blood sugar to rise most profoundly: in other words, not sugar, but wheat.

Got some conflicted relationships—people who have attacked you and hurt you, whose very presence causes gruff intestinal rumble? The table reduces fighting. It has been proven that one of the secrets to a successful marriage and loving family is to eat before you argue. Blood sugar levels correlate with irritability and annoyance; low glucose levels escalate tensions and heighten tempers.[70] The same goes for the body of Christ. The secret of a loving, forgiving church is to commune before you argue. In feeding you, I forgive you.

However, many gluten-free foods are made by replacing wheat flour with cornstarch, rice starch, potato starch, or tapioca starch (starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant). This is especially hazardous for anybody looking to drop twenty, thirty, or more pounds, since gluten-free foods, though they do not trigger the immune or neurological response of wheat gluten, still trigger the glucose-insulin response that causes you to gain weight. Wheat products increase blood sugar and insulin more than most other foods. But remember: Foods made with cornstarch, rice starch, potato starch, and tapioca starch are among the few foods that increase blood sugar even more than wheat products.

Johnson’s theory is that the fructose in sugar increases uric acid production, which switches susceptible humans into hibernation mode, producing hyperphagia (overeating due to increased hunger), IR, and elevated blood glucose, insulin and triglyceride concentrations, leading to fat accumulation in the liver and fat cells.