After this, the person should ingest some candy, fruit juice, crackers, or other high-energy food. Doctors may also use glucagon when diagnosing problems with the digestive system. A range of factors, including insulin resistance , diabetes, and an unbalanced diet, can cause blood sugar levels to spike or plummet.

Ideal blood sugar ranges are as follows :. Read more about optimal blood sugar levels here. High blood sugar can be a sign of diabetes, but it can also occur with other conditions. Without intervention, high blood sugar can lead to severe health problems.

In some cases, it can become life threatening. Insulin and glucagon help manage blood sugar levels. In addition to diabetes, possible causes of high blood sugar include :. People with high blood sugar may not notice symptoms until complications appear.

If symptoms occur, they include :. Over time, high blood sugar may lead to :. Hypoglycemia is most likely to affect people with diabetes if they take their diabetes medication — such as insulin or glipizide — without eating.

But, it can happen for other reasons, for example:. The symptoms of low blood sugar include :. Without treatment, low blood sugar can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness. What are the different types of diabetes? Insulin helps the cells absorb glucose from the blood, while glucagon triggers a release of glucose from the liver.

People with type 1 diabetes need to take supplemental insulin to prevent their blood sugar levels from becoming too high. In some cases, a doctor will recommend insulin for people with type 2 diabetes.

However, diet and exercise are usually the first recommendations for this type. Very low blood sugar can become life threatening without medical intervention. In this article, we look at nine ways to lower high insulin levels.

This can be achieved through diet, lifestyle changes, supplements, and medication. A person can manage their diabetes by making healthful changes to their diet, exercising frequently, and regularly taking the necessary medications…. Researchers said baricitinib, a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, showed promise in a clinical trial in helping slow the progression of type 1….

A new review indicates that insulin—used to manage diabetes—can be kept at room temperature for months without losing its potency. A study in rat models of diabetes suggests that spinach extract — both water- and alcohol-based — may help promote wound healing, which occurs very….

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. How insulin and glucagon regulate blood sugar. Read on to find out how to use a blood glucose meter.

To find out more about CGMs, start by talking to your doctor. Note: All meters are slightly different, so always refer to your user's manual for specific instructions. The American Diabetes Association suggests the following targets for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes.

A1C targets differ based on age and health. Also, more or less stringent glycemic goals may be appropriate for each individual. When you finish the blood glucose check, write down your results and note what factors may have affected them, such as food, activity, and stress.

Take a close look at your blood glucose record to see if your level is too high or too low several days in a row at about the same time. If the same thing keeps happening, it might be time to change your diabetes care plan.

Work with your doctor or diabetes educator to learn what your results mean for you. It can take time to make adjustments and get things just right.

And do ask your doctor if you should report results out of a certain range right away by phone. Keep in mind that blood glucose results often trigger strong feelings.

Blood glucose numbers can leave you upset, confused, frustrated, angry, or down. It's easy to use the numbers to judge yourself. But there are simple steps you can take to lower your blood sugar levels naturally: 1. Exercise regularly Regular exercise can help improve your insulin sensitivity, which means your cells can better use the sugar in your blood, reducing blood sugar levels.

Good forms of exercise include weightlifting, walking briskly, running, bicycling, dancing, hiking, and swimming. Manage your carbs You body converts carbs into sugar, then insulin helps your body to use and store sugar for energy. You can help your body control your blood sugar by monitoring carb intake and planning meals.

A low-carb diet helps prevent sugar spikes — and can have long-term benefits. That means it promotes more gradual increases in blood sugar levels. All kinds of fiber are good for the body, but soluble fiber is best for improving blood sugar control.

High fiber diets also help manage type 1 diabetes by helping the body regulate blood sugar. High fiber foods include fruit, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Drink plenty of water Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar.

Several foods may help lower your blood sugar, but some may be more effective than others. Although factors such as body weight, activity, stress, and genetics also play a role in regulating blood sugar, following a healthy diet is critical for blood sugar management 1 , 2.

While some foods, including those high in added sugar and refined carbs, can contribute to blood sugar fluctuations, others can optimize blood sugar regulation while promoting overall health 3 , 4. Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate that has blood sugar-reducing properties.

This plant chemical is produced through an enzyme reaction when broccoli is chopped or chewed 5. Test-tube, animal, and a few human studies have shown that sulforaphane-rich broccoli extract has potent antidiabetic effects, helping enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar and oxidative stress markers 6 , 7.

Broccoli sprouts are concentrated sources of glucosinolates such as glucoraphanin. Research suggests that these compounds help promote insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes when supplemented as a powder or extract 8 , 9.

Additionally, eating cruciferous vegetables may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, but more research is needed 10 , The best way to enhance the availability of sulforaphane is to enjoy broccoli and sprouts raw or lightly steamed or add active sources of myrosinase, such as mustard seed powder, to cooked broccoli Seafood, including fish and shellfish , is a valuable source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Protein is essential for blood sugar management. It helps slow digestion, prevents postmeal blood sugar spikes, and increases feelings of fullness. Plus, it may help prevent overeating and promote excess body fat loss, two essential effects for healthy blood sugar levels A high intake of fatty fish such as salmon and sardines has been shown to help improve blood sugar regulation.

For example, in a small study with 68 participants, adults with overweight or obesity who consumed 26 ounces oz , or grams g , of fatty fish per week had significant improvements in postmeal blood sugar levels compared with those who consumed lean fish Brightly colored and packed with fiber and antioxidants, pumpkin is a great choice for blood sugar regulation.

Pumpkin is a traditional diabetes remedy in many countries, including Mexico and Iran Pumpkin is high in carbs called polysaccharides, which have been studied for their blood sugar-regulating potential.

Treatments with pumpkin extracts and powders have been shown to significantly decrease blood sugar levels in both limited human studies and animal studies 16 , Pumpkin seeds are packed with healthy fats and protein, which make them an excellent choice for blood sugar management 18 , Research has shown that eating nuts may be an effective way to help regulate blood sugar levels.

In a small study of 25 people with type 2 diabetes, consuming both peanuts and almonds throughout the day as part of a low carb diet reduced fasting and postmeal blood sugar levels Also, a review found that consuming various types of tree nuts led to reduced fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

However, the authors noted that the results were not clinically significant and that more research is necessary Okra seeds may be beneficial as a natural remedy for diabetes due to their potent blood sugar-lowering properties Rhamnogalacturonan, the main polysaccharide in okra, has been identified as a powerful antidiabetic compound.

Plus, okra contains the flavonoids isoquercitrin and quercetin 3-O-gentiobioside, which help reduce blood sugar by inhibiting certain enzymes 25 , 26 , Although animal studies suggest that okra has potent antidiabetic properties, human research studies are needed.

Flaxseed is rich in fiber and healthy fats and may help reduce blood sugar levels. In an 8-week study of 57 people with type 2 diabetes, those who consumed 7 oz g of 2. Moreover, a review of 25 controlled studies found that eating whole flaxseed led to significant improvements in blood sugar regulation Beans and lentils are rich in magnesium, fiber, and protein.

These nutrients may be able to help lower blood sugar. For example, a study of 12 women demonstrated that adding black beans or chickpeas to a rice meal significantly reduced postmeal blood sugar levels compared with eating rice alone Many other studies have shown that eating beans and lentils can benefit blood sugar regulation and possibly help protect against the development of diabetes 31 , Fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut contain health-promoting compounds, including probiotics, minerals, and antioxidants.

Research associates these compounds with improved blood sugar and insulin sensitivity 33 , A review concluded that probiotic foods had a notable effect on blood sugar regulation in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers noted that these foods had the greatest impact on people whose diabetes was not well managed and those who were not on insulin therapy However, most studies into the effect of fermented foods on blood sugar regulation involve rodent or cellular investigations.

As a result, further controlled human studies are necessary Eating chia seeds may benefit blood sugar regulation. Some studies link chia seed consumption to reductions in blood sugar levels and improvements in insulin sensitivity.

A review of 17 animal studies concluded that chia seeds might help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation and potentially reduce disease risk, including the risk of diabetes It contains multiple compounds that may help decrease blood sugar levels, including fiber and flavonoid antioxidants.

A study that included 42 Japanese adults demonstrated that consuming either 7 or 14 g of kale-containing foods with a high carb meal significantly decreased postmeal blood sugar levels compared with placebo Research has shown that the flavonoid antioxidants found in kale , including quercetin and kaempferol, have potent blood sugar-lowering and insulin-sensitizing effects Numerous studies link berry intake with improved blood sugar regulation.

Berries contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and all of this makes them an excellent choice for people with blood sugar management issues. A study found that eating 2 cups g of red raspberries with a high carb meal significantly reduced postmeal insulin and blood sugar in adults with prediabetes compared with a control group In addition to raspberries, studies have shown that strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries may benefit blood sugar management by enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose clearance from the blood 43 , 44 , Avocados may offer significant benefits for blood sugar regulation.

Numerous studies have found that avocados may help reduce blood sugar levels and protect against the development of metabolic syndrome through fat loss.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure and high blood sugar, that increases chronic disease risk 46 , 47 , However, remember that many studies investigating the effects of avocado intake on blood sugar levels were funded by the Hass Avocado Board, which could have influenced aspects of the studies 46 , Including oats and oat bran in your diet may help improve your blood sugar levels due to their high soluble fiber content, which has been shown to have significant blood sugar-reducing properties An analysis of 16 studies found that oat intake significantly reduced HbA1c and fasting blood sugar levels compared with control meals Moreover, a small study of 10 people found that drinking 7 oz of water mixed with 1 oz of oat bran before eating white bread significantly reduced postmeal blood sugar compared with drinking plain water Although citrus fruits contain natural sugar, they are considered low to medium on the glycemic index.

Citrus fruits are also good sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit are packed with fiber and contain plant compounds such as naringenin, a polyphenol with powerful antidiabetic properties Eating whole citrus fruits may help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce HbA1c, and protect against diabetes 54 , 55 , 56 , Kefir and yogurt are fermented dairy products that may help regulate blood sugar.

An 8-week study of 60 people with type 2 diabetes showed that drinking 20 oz milliliters of kefir , a probiotic-rich yogurt drink, per day significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and HbA1c compared with drinking kefir that did not contain probiotics Yogurt consumption may also lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

In a analysis of 42 studies, the authors concluded that each 50 g 1. Eggs are a concentrated source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some studies have linked egg consumption to better blood sugar regulation. A study of 42 adults with overweight or obesity and either prediabetes or type 2 diabetes showed that eating one large egg per day led to a significant 4.

Glucose from the bloodstream enters liver cells, stimulating the action of several enzymes that convert the glucose to chains of glycogen—so long as both insulin and glucose remain plentiful. After a meal has been digested and BG levels begin to fall, insulin secretion drops and glycogen synthesis stops.

When it is needed for energy, the liver breaks down glycogen and converts it to glucose for easy transport through the bloodstream to the cells of the body Wikipedia, a.

The liver converts glycogen back to glucose when it is needed for energy and regulates the amount of glucose circulating between meals. Your liver is amazing in that it knows how much to store and keep, or break down and release, to maintain ideal plasma glucose levels.

Imitation of this process is the goal of insulin therapy when glucose levels are managed externally. Basal—bolus dosing is used as clinicians attempt to replicate this normal cycle.

The concentration of glucose in the blood is determined by the balance between the rate of glucose entering and the rate of glucose leaving the circulation.

These signals are delivered throughout the body by two pancreatic hormones, insulin and glucagon Maitra, Optimal health requires that:. If you want to lose weight, what fuel would you decrease in your diet and what fuels would you increase? Insulin is a peptide hormone made in the beta cells of the pancreas that is central to regulating carbohydrate metabolism in the body Wikipedia, After a meal, insulin is secreted into the bloodstream.

When it reaches insulin-sensitive cells—liver cells, fat cells, and striated muscle—insulin stimulates them to take up and metabolize glucose.

Insulin synthesis and release from beta cells is stimulated by rising concentrations of blood glucose. Insulin has a range of effects that can be categorized as anabolic , or growth-promoting.

Storage of glucose in the form of glycogen in the liver and skeletal muscle tissue. Storage of fat. How would you explain the function of insulin to your patient with diabetes?

What does it turn on and what does it turn off? Glucagon , a peptide hormone secreted by the pancreas, raises blood glucose levels. Its effect is opposite to insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels.

When it reaches the liver, glucagon stimulates glycolysis , the breakdown of glycogen, and the export of glucose into the circulation. The pancreas releases glucagon when glucose levels fall too low. Glucagon causes the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is released into the bloodstream.

High BG levels stimulate the release of insulin. Insulin allows glucose to be taken up and used by insulin-dependent tissues, such as muscle cells. Glucagon and insulin work together automatically as a negative feedback system to keeps BG levels stable.

Glucagon is a powerful regulator of BG levels, and glucagon injections can be used to correct severe hypoglycemia. Glucose taken orally or parenterally can elevate plasma glucose levels within minutes, but exogenous glucagon injections are not glucose; a glucagon injection takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes to be absorbed by muscle cells into the bloodstream and circulated to the liver, there to trigger the breakdown of stored glycogen.

People with type 2 diabetes have excess glucagon secretion, which is a contributor to the chronic hyperglycemia of type 2 diabetes.

The amazing balance of these two opposing hormones of glucagon and insulin is maintained by another pancreatic hormone called somatostatin , created in the delta cells.

It truly is the great pancreatic policeman as it works to keep them balanced. When it goes too high the pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream. This insulin stimulates the liver to convert the blood glucose into glycogen for storage.

If the blood sugar goes too low, the pancreas release glucagon, which causes the liver to turn stored glycogen back into glucose and release it into the blood. Source: Google Images. Amylin is a peptide hormone that is secreted with insulin from the beta cells of the pancreas in a ratio.

Amylin inhibits glucagon secretion and therefore helps lower BG levels. It also delays gastric emptying after a meal to decrease a sudden spike in plasma BG levels; further, it increases brain satiety satisfaction to help someone feel full after a meal.

This is a powerful hormone in what has been called the brain—meal connection. People with type 1 diabetes have neither insulin nor amylin production.

People with type 2 diabetes seem to make adequate amounts of amylin but often have problems with the intestinal incretin hormones that also regulate BG and satiety, causing them to feel hungry constantly. Amylin analogues have been created and are available through various pharmaceutical companies as a solution for disorders of this hormone.

Incretins go to work even before blood glucose levels rise following a meal. They also slow the rate of absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream by reducing gastric emptying, and they may also help decrease food intake by increasing satiety. People with type 2 diabetes have lower than normal levels of incretins, which may partly explain why many people with diabetes state they constantly feel hungry.

After research showed that BG levels are influenced by intestinal hormones in addition to insulin and glucagon, incretin mimetics became a new class of medications to help balance BG levels in people who have diabetes.

Two types of incretin hormones are GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide and GIP gastric inhibitory polypeptide. Each peptide is broken down by naturally occurring enzymes called DDP-4, dipeptidyl peptidase Exenatide Byetta , an injectable anti-diabetes drug, is categorized as a glucagon-like peptide GLP-1 and directly mimics the glucose-lowering effects of natural incretins upon oral ingestion of carbohydrates.

The administration of exenatide helps to reduce BG levels by mimicking the incretins. Both long- and short-acting forms of GLP-1 agents are currently being used. A new class of medications, called DPP4 inhibitors, block this enzyme from breaking down incretins, thereby prolonging the positive incretin effects of glucose suppression.

An additional class of medications called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 DPP-4 inhibitors—note hyphen , are available in the form of several orally administered products. These agents will be discussed more fully later. People with diabetes have frequent and persistent hyperglycemia, which is the hallmark sign of diabetes.

For people with type 1 diabetes, who make no insulin, glucose remains in the blood plasma without the needed BG-lowering effect of insulin. Another contributor to this chronic hyperglycemia is the liver. When a person with diabetes is fasting, the liver secretes too much glucose, and it continues to secrete glucose even after the blood level reaches a normal range Basu et al.

Another contributor to chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes is skeletal muscle. After a meal, the muscles in a person with diabetes take up too little glucose, leaving blood glucose levels elevated for extended periods Basu et al.

The metabolic malfunctioning of the liver and skeletal muscles in type 2 diabetes results from a combination of insulin resistance, beta cell dysfunction, excess glucagon, and decreased incretins. These problems develop progressively. Early in the disease the existing insulin resistance can be counteracted by excess insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas, which try to address the hyperglycemia.

The hyperglycemia caused by insulin resistance is met by hyperinsulinemia. Eventually, however, the beta cells begin to fail.

Hyperglycemia can no longer be matched by excess insulin secretion, and the person develops clinical diabetes Maitra, How would you explain to your patient what lifestyle behaviors create insulin resistance?

In type 2 diabetes, many patients have body cells with a decreased response to insulin known as insulin resistance. This means that, for the same amount of circulating insulin, the skeletal muscles, liver, and adipose tissue take up and metabolize less glucose than normal. Insulin resistance can develop in a person over many years before the appearance of type 2 diabetes.

People inherit a propensity for developing insulin resistance, and other health problems can worsen the condition. For example, when skeletal muscle cells are bathed in excess free fatty acids, the cells preferentially use the fat for metabolism while taking up and using less glucose than normal, even when there is plenty of insulin available.

In this way, high levels of blood lipids decrease the effectiveness of insulin; thus, high cholesterol and body fat, overweight and obesity increase insulin resistance. Physical inactivity has a similar effect.

Sedentary overweight and obese people accumulate triglycerides in their muscle cells. This causes the cells to use fat rather than glucose to produce muscular energy. Physical inactivity and obesity increase insulin resistance Monnier et al. For people with type 1 diabetes, no insulin is produced due to beta cells destruction.

Triggers of that autoimmune response have been linked to milk, vaccines, environmental triggers, viruses, and bacteria. For people with type 2 diabetes, a progressive decrease in the concentration of insulin in the blood develops.

Not only do the beta cells release less insulin as type 2 diabetes progresses, they also release it slowly and in a different pattern than that of healthy people Monnier et al. Without sufficient insulin, the glucose-absorbing tissues—mainly skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue—do not efficiently clear excess glucose from the bloodstream, and the person suffers the damaging effects of toxic chronic hyperglycemia.

At first, the beta cells manage to manufacture and release sufficient insulin to compensate for the higher demands caused by insulin resistance. Eventually, however, the defective beta cells decrease their insulin production and can no longer meet the increased demand. At this point, the person has persistent hyperglycemia.

A downward spiral follows.