hi! david,
as usual, a delightful, informative, and best of all, useful piece - thanks! once again
a couple questions, if i may:
1.) would it be fair to assume that the studies quoted were measuring blood sugar peaks of diabetics on a more traditional ADA diet?
2.) since the metabolism of protein takes longer than that of carbohydrates, would the 72-74 minute post prandial peak shift to even longer as we restrict carbs and eat primarily protein/fat?
3.) regarding the use of physical activity as a tool to control blood sugar levels, would you be so kind as to offer a starting point for time frame (immediately after eating - a half hour after - etc), as well as its intensity and duration? after every meal? i realize we all respond differently and we're all eating different diets, but i was hoping for a general sense, so that i could begin my own "research" plan to help fight the diabetic demons :-)
as always, immensely enjoy your posts and compare the author to the best of chefs who always leaves his patrons hungry for more :-)
all the best!
I am prediabetic. I test 1 hour after the end of a "suspicious" meal. If it is high (like 180 or 200) I do 80 jumping jacks which usually lowers my BS by 30-40 points within 10 minutes. If I need to lower it more I'll add 10 pushups. Works every time and is much faster and more convenient than going for a walk/run.
When I do physical activities my blood sugar goes up not down. I have been told this is normal. So I don't understand this article. Blood sugar goes up even in people who don't have diabetes. I have type 2. I take the pills. My running does help but not right away. It takes several hours before my blood goes down after a run. I have been told that this is because your body during a run will conserve your energy and that is why your sugar rises. I walk everywhere because it is my mode of transportation. I walk to work I walk to shop I walk to visit people I walk on average 7 to 8 miles a day. It does nothing for my blood sugar. So I just don't get what you are saying.
This also happened to me before I went on insulin. I read somewhere that it was due to poor glucose control. I also notice now that my morning readings are higher than my night time readings before I eat breakfast; however, I am also not eating till I am up about 30 min and doing little chores. I took my reading right when I got up and realized that the reading was lower rather than waiting 30 min or so.
I have also been told that the liver releases extra glucose when needed for exercise. I am curious about this too.
This also happened to me before I went on insulin. I read somewhere that it was due to poor glucose control. I also notice now that my morning readings are higher than my night time readings before I eat breakfast; however, I am also not eating till I am up about 30 min and doing little chores. I took my reading right when I got up and realized that the reading was lower rather than waiting 30 min or so.
I have also been told that the liver releases extra glucose when needed for exercise. I am curious about this too.
This also happened to me before I went on insulin. I read somewhere that it was due to poor glucose control. I also notice now that my morning readings are higher than my night time readings before I eat breakfast; however, I am also not eating till I am up about 30 min and doing little chores. I took my reading right when I got up and realized that the reading was lower rather than waiting 30 min or so.
I have also been told that the liver releases extra glucose when needed for exercise. I am curious about this too.
Your blood sugar going up after exercise also happens to non diabetics. I have been told by other runners that it is a natural thing. I have taken my blood after just walking and unless I walk fast (4 miles an hour) there is no difference. A slow walk does nothing and a fast walk makes my sugar go up. My doctor says I am managing my sugar really well. My three month reading was 6.4. Down from 6.6. That is pretty good. Maybe I just don't respond the way others do
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That first morning level before breakfast (ideally immediately upon waking) is the what sets up your entire day. If you start out high then the rest of the day will be a challenge until that is addressed. If you wake up low and you treat it you may have overtreated.
And I agree with everything you said.
Who said this was easy, right?