Blood sugar spikes may be tied to everyday habits you can control, expert says
Metabolic health expert Jim LaValle says everyday habits, including food choices, movement, stress and sleep, can affect blood sugar levels. Frequent or prolonged rises and drops may contribute to health problems, so understanding personal responses to meals can help people manage their levels.
LaValle suggests checking post-meal glucose to see how different foods affect it, choosing a protein-rich breakfast and taking a 10-minute walk after eating. He also highlights regular exercise, stress management and adequate sleep, noting that poor sleep can affect insulin regulation, appetite and eating habits. He acknowledges that work and caring responsibilities can make these changes harder to maintain.
In short
- Food, sleep, stress and movement can affect blood sugar.
- LaValle recommends a 10-minute walk after meals.
- Poor sleep may disrupt glucose regulation and appetite.
Explained simply
Blood sugar is the amount of glucose in the blood, which the body uses for energy. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps move glucose from the blood into cells; problems with this process can lead to diabetes and other health concerns.
Meals, physical activity, stress and sleep can all influence blood sugar and how the body responds to insulin. People’s responses to the same food can differ, and work or caring duties may affect how easily they can change daily routines.