Balancing Blood Sugar levels is one of the most important things you can do for long-term weight management, increased mood, focus, energy and diabetes prevention.  

• Do you suffer from shakiness , lack of focus, headaches, irritability or energy dips if you miss a meal?
• Are you easily affected by caffeine (shaky, sweaty, palpitations)?
• Do you find you continue to drink it anyway because otherwise your energy is too low?
• Are you so hungry by the time lunch or dinner comes around and are unable to control what and how much you eat?
• Do you have a history of diabetes in your family?
• Do you suffer from PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)?
• Do you carry most of your weight around your abdominal area?
• Do you eat a large meal and still feel hungry soon after?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions then you may need help stabilizing your blood sugar levels. You may suffer from either hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), both of which create havoc with our bodies if this continues in a prolonged way. Chronic hyperglycemia in particular leads to insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. The action of hormones insulin and glucagon and the sensitivity of their receptors play key roles in maintaining blood sugar levels. These factors are influenced by lifestyle, nutrition and genetics. In most cases, they can be managed by developing a healthy eating pattern.

Sugar is released into our blood after ingesting carbohydrates. Different sources of carbohydrates are broken down by the body at different rates. Therefore, a teaspoon of sugar goes directly into our blood stream and is considered high-glycemic. On the other hand, a baked sweet potato takes much longer to break down, releasing sugar into our bodies more slowly. These carbs are considered low-glycemic.

Choosing healthy complex carbohydrates and combining them properly with adequate protein, fibre and healthy fats is incredibly important in slowing the release of sugar into the blood and prolonging it to release gradually.

Some Keys to Stabilizing Blood Sugar Are:

- Increasing fibre

- Consuming small, evenly spaced meals throughout the day

- Ensuring that you have a balance of complex carbohydrates, quality proteins and healthy fats

Please call 250.590.5221 to book an appointment with Naturopath, Dr Carrie Watkins in Victoria BC

645 Fort Street, Suite 212 | Victoria, BC V8W 1G2