What Causes Blood Sugar?
August 2, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, refers to the amount of glucose present in the bloodstream at any given time. Glucose is a type of sugar that serves as the primary source of energy for the body’s cells. It comes from the food we eat, mainly carbohydrates, and is released into the bloodstream after digestion and absorption in the small intestine.
The body regulates blood sugar levels through a complex system involving hormones and organs, primarily the pancreas. Here’s how it works:
- Eating carbohydrates: When you consume carbohydrates (e.g., rice, bread, fruits, or sweets), your digestive system breaks them down into simpler sugars, with glucose being the most significant one.
- Absorption: Glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine.
- Insulin release: As blood glucose levels rise after a meal, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use.
- Cellular energy: Inside the cells, glucose undergoes a series of chemical reactions to produce energy that the body uses for various processes, such as muscle contraction, metabolism, and brain function.
- Blood sugar regulation: As cells absorb glucose, blood sugar levels begin to decline. When blood sugar levels drop too low, the pancreas releases another hormone called glucagon, which signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Several factors can affect blood sugar levels, including:
- Diet: The type and amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats consumed can impact blood sugar levels.
- Physical activity: Exercise can lower blood sugar levels as muscles use glucose for energy during physical activity.
- Hormonal changes: Hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and growth hormone can influence blood sugar levels.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as insulin and oral diabetes medications, can directly affect blood sugar levels.
- Illness and stress: Infections, stress, and certain medical conditions can lead to temporary fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
For individuals with diabetes, blood sugar regulation can be impaired due to insufficient insulin production (Type 1 diabetes) or resistance to insulin’s effects (Type 2 diabetes). As a result, they may require medications, insulin injections, or lifestyle changes to manage their blood sugar levels effectively.
Keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range is essential for overall health and well-being, as chronic high blood sugar can lead to diabetes-related complications, while very low blood sugar can cause hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous if not promptly treated.