Glucose is a simple sugar that circulates in your bloodstream and serves as the primary fuel for your body’s cells. It is critical for providing energy to everything from the brain’s thought processes to the muscles’ movements during daily activities. Maintaining stable glucose levels is essential for your overall health, especially for individuals with conditions like diabetes or prediabetes, where glucose regulation is impaired.
Approximately, 135 million Americans have diabetes, and Black adults are nearly twice as likely as white adults to develop Type 2 diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
This week actress Retta (known for her roles in “Parks and Recreation”, “Good Girls and Hit Man”) teamed up with Dexcom and nonprofit Beyond Type 2 to launch the first-ever National Glucose Awareness Week to help raise awareness for a critical but often overlooked health metric. The actress, who has managed Type 2 diabetes since 2023, hopes to inspire others take control of their health.
How Glucose Fluctuations Affect Daily Health and Long-Term Well-Being
Fluctuations in glucose levels can be influenced by various factors including diet, exercise, stress, dehydration, and sleep quality.
“In most humans, blood glucose levels remain within a remarkably narrow range but for those managing conditions such as diabetes, keeping glucose levels stable is essential for maintaining overall well-being and preventing complications like nerve damage, kidney disease and cardiovascular issues. Proper blood sugar management reduces the risk of both short-term discomfort and long-term health problems, helping to ensure well-being for years to come,” Dr. Thomas Grace, Dexcom’s Head of Clinical Advocacy and Outcomes, shares.
Even if you don’t have diabetes, your body relies on stable glucose levels to function optimally.
“It’s important to know that glucose is the body’s fuel, and we all rely on stable glucose levels to function optimally. From providing energy for your cells to supporting vital organ functions, glucose plays a critical role in overall health,” Dr. Grace adds.
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Lifestyle Factors That Influence Glucose Levels and How to Manage Them
Maintaining healthy glucose levels starts with effective lifestyle habits:
Diet
Foods high in refined sugars and simple carbohydrates can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose. A balanced diet rich in fiber, proteins, and healthy fats can help maintain stable glucose levels.
Exercise
Physical activity helps muscles use glucose more effectively, lowering blood sugar levels.
“Walking is a simple yet effective way to lower blood sugar levels, and as part of the National Glucose Awareness Week, people around the nation can take part in a step challenge from September 30 to October 13 to help improve their glucose health and compete for prizes,” Dr. Grace shares.
Sleep and Stress
Both sleep deprivation and chronic stress can negatively affect glucose metabolism, making it harder for the body to maintain balanced levels.
“Small adjustments, such as staying active and monitoring your diet, can lead to significant improvements. Glucose tracking provides people with valuable insights into how factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress impact their bodies, empowering them to make informed decisions and take control of their health,” Dr. Grace notes.
The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in Understanding Glucose Levels
Many individuals with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes struggle to fully understand how diet, exercise, and lifestyle affect their glucose levels. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, such as Dexcom’s products, provide real-time data that help users see how their actions impact their glucose levels.
“Only 10 percent of people with Type 2 diabetes using insulin or prediabetes say they understand the factors that cause changes in their glucose ‘extremely well’. When people with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes understand glucose and are given insights into what impacts their glucose levels, they can make informed decisions that is best for their own health,” Dr. Grace notes.
For instance, Dexcom’s Stelo system is a significant advancement in glucose monitoring for people with Type 2 diabetes not using insulin and those with prediabetes. This over-the-counter device allows individuals to track glucose levels 24/7, offering insights without the need for frequent fingerstick tests. By making glucose data accessible via smartphones, users can adjust their habits based on how food, activity, and sleep affect their glucose levels.
RELATED: Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): Which One is Best for You?
Dangers of High and Low Glucose Levels
Both high and low glucose levels pose serious health risks. Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) can lead to complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems. On the other hand, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) can result in dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, unconsciousness.
“Gaining a greater awareness of potential hypoglycemia (hypo) symptoms is essential to treat hypoglycemia, alongside routinely self-monitoring blood glucose levels. Dexcom CGM can identify low glucose levels with zero finger pricks or scanning and has been clinically proven to lower HbA1c and reduce hypoglycemic incidents,” Dr. Grace says.
Frequency and Methods of Glucose Monitoring
The frequency of glucose monitoring depends on your individual health needs.
“How often you test your blood glucose depends on which type of diabetes you have, your blood glucose range, and what kind of treatment your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will provide guidance on how often you should test it. If you have type 2 diabetes and take insulin to manage it, your doctor may suggest you test your blood glucose two or more times per day, usually before meals and sometimes before you go to bed,” Dr. Grace notes.
Traditional blood glucose meters (BGMs) provide single readings, but continuous glucose monitoring systems like Dexcom’s Stelo offer around-the-clock insights.
“The key difference between Dexcom CGM and BGM is that Dexcom CGM provides glucose readings throughout the day and night, including glucose speed and direction arrows that empower wearers with more information for more informed decision making,” Dr. Grace shares.
Symptoms of Glucose Imbalances and When to Seek Medical Advice
Symptoms of glucose imbalances may vary between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. For Type 1 diabetes, common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss, often referred to as the “4Ts”—toilet, thirsty, tired, thinner. In Type 2 diabetes, these symptoms may develop more gradually, along with high blood pressure, mood swings, and headaches.
“The first thing you should do if you think that you or a loved one is showing diabetes symptoms is to see your doctor as soon as possible. They can run the necessary tests to confirm a diagnosis and put individuals on a treatment plan that’s right for them,” Dr. Grace advises.
For educational resources and fun videos from “glucose guru” Retta about the importance of glucose health and the easy steps you can take to better manage you glucose levels, visit GetGlucoseAware.com.
