Understanding Blood Sugar: Normal Levels, Health Impacts, and Keto Diet

🩸Blood sugar is the level of sugar in the blood at a given time and provides our bodies with energy.

🥖Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and enter the bloodstream, causing blood sugar levels to rise.

📉Poor metabolic health can impair our ability to regulate blood sugar, leading to elevated levels.

💡Eating a low carb ketogenic diet can stabilize blood sugar levels, improve glycemic control, and reduce the need for diabetes medication.

🤔Long-term adherence to a ketogenic diet may slightly elevate fasting blood sugar levels due to adaptive glucose sparing.

What is blood sugar?

—Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is the amount of sugar circulating in our blood at any given time and provides our bodies with energy.

Why is maintaining healthy blood sugar levels important?

—Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health and disease prevention. High and low blood sugar levels can have negative effects on our health both in the short and long term.

How does a ketogenic diet affect blood sugar levels?

—On a ketogenic diet, blood sugar levels tend to be stable and can improve in people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. This is because a low carb diet reduces the need for glucose in the body.

Can a ketogenic diet cause elevated fasting blood sugar?

—In some cases, long-term adherence to a ketogenic diet may slightly elevate fasting blood sugar levels due to something called adaptive glucose sparing. However, this is not a cause for concern as other markers of health improvement, such as glycemic control, are usually seen.

How can I measure my blood sugar levels?

—You can measure your blood sugar levels using a blood glucose meter, which can be purchased at most pharmacies or online. It's important to work with a healthcare professional to interpret and understand the results.

00:00Introduction to the importance of blood sugar and its impact on health.

02:59Explanation of blood sugar levels and their implications for pre-diabetes and diabetes.

05:52Discussion of blood sugar on a ketogenic diet and its stability due to reduced carbohydrate intake.

10:57Explanation of how a ketogenic diet can improve glycemic control and reduce the need for diabetes medication.

13:34Explanation of adaptive glucose sparing and its potential impact on fasting blood sugar levels on a ketogenic diet.