The Hill I’ll Die on…

Blood Sugar Dysfunction: Most LIKELY Your Prob

If there’s a hill I will die on… it’s this: chronic issues lead to chronic inflammation which almost almost always has roots in blood sugar dysfunction. Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, hormonal imbalances, painful periods, adult acne, headaches that wreak havoc, or even anxiety, it’s time to take a hard look at your blood sugar. 

You are probably thinking, “chill girl, I don’t have diabetes, so this doesn’t apply to me," but here’s the kicker: blood sugar issues aren’t exclusive to diabetes. They’re foundational to many chronic conditions, even the ones your doctor didn’t connect the dots on.

So, let’s dig in. ⤵️

What Is Blood Sugar and WHY do you care?

Blood sugar, or glucose (medical term) is the primary energy source your body uses to fuel its cells. When you eat, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. From there, insulin—a hormone made by your pancreas—helps shuttle that glucose into your cells to be used for energy.

Sounds simple, right? Well, not quite.

When blood sugar is not properly regulated, your body experiences spikes and crashes. These fluctuations create a cascade of issues, including:

• Chronic inflammation: Elevated blood sugar triggers inflammatory responses in your body, contributing to pain and systemic inflammation.

• Fatigue and brain fog: Your energy levels plummet when your blood sugar crashes, leaving you irritable and tired.

• Hormonal imbalances: Dysregulated blood sugar impacts cortisol, insulin, and other key hormones, leading to a vicious cycle of stress and imbalance.

• Systemic warning signs: Symptoms like constant hunger, energy dips, difficulty concentrating, or cravings for sugar and carbs could indicate underlying blood sugar dysfunction that’s worth investigating further.

Healthy blood sugar regulation isn’t just about avoiding a sugar crash—it’s about creating a stable foundation for your entire body to function optimally. ⬇️

So the takeaway here is that we need blood sugar, it’s essentially the key that let’s insulin into our body and cells to do its job. 

Three Steps to Start Regulating Your Blood Sugar

If you’re dealing with chronic issues like inflammation, pain, or fatigue, here are three practical steps to get started on improving your blood sugar regulation:

1. Focus Less on Macros and Calories—Prioritize Protein

Start by aiming to get 30 grams of protein at each meal. Protein helps stabilize your blood sugar by slowing the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream. If 30 grams feels intimidating, aim for 20 grams and work your way up. Once your protein is covered, build the rest of your plate around it with fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats.

Why this matters: Protein keeps your blood sugar steady and helps prevent those mid-morning or mid-afternoon energy crashes.

2. Try Sequenced Eating

How you eat your food matters almost as much as what you eat. Research has shown that sequenced eating—or eating foods in a specific order—is as effective as medications like metformin for managing blood sugar. Here’s how to do it:

• Start with fiber-rich foods, like leafy greens or roasted veggies. Think of fiber as the "mesh" in a drain, slowing the absorption of sugars.

• Follow up with protein and fats.

• Eat your carbs last.

This simple strategy reduces the impact of carbs on your blood sugar and helps smooth out spikes and crashes.

3. Walk It Out

After you finish a meal, take a 10-15 minute walk. It doesn’t have to be power walking; a light stroll is enough. This gives your body something to do with the glucose circulating in your blood, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes.

The Bottom Line

Blood sugar dysfunction is often at the root of chronic issues because it is fueling overall inflammation. By prioritizing protein, sequencing your meals, and incorporating movement into your day, you can take significant steps toward reducing inflammation and stabilizing your energy levels.

If you’re wondering whether blood sugar dysfunction could be contributing to your symptoms, it’s worth taking a closer look. My NAQ consult analysis helps uncover hidden imbalances and is an amazing entry point into Nutritional Therapy, without the full protocol commitment. 

Ready to take control of your health? Start with these tips, and if  you’re ready for a personalized approach, book your NAQ Consult and Analysis HERE.