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This is thanks in part to the rise in celebrities (andbeauty editors) openly takingblood-sugar-managing medications like Ozempic.
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But its largely influenced by Jessie Inchauspe, otherwise known as the Glucose Goddess.
What exactly is blood sugar, and why is it important?
As for why that matters?
Blood sugar is the main fuel that our cellular furnaces, called mitochondria, can burn.
Just like gasoline is what a car burns for energy," he says.
If it consistently goes too high, it can trigger diabetes and insulin resistance.
Insulin resistanceis another term you might be seeing more often.
Insulin resistance goes hand in hand with blood sugar.
If left unaddressed, this can quickly become pre-diabetes, and eventually, punch in 2 diabetes.
Think of a car losing its ability to properly use gasoline.
How does blood sugar affect your health otherwise?
punch in 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes arent the only reasons to keep your glucose levels in check.
Many people also report simply feeling off.
Instead, they should just feed you.
Butwhatyou eat matters too, or else you onlydelaythe inevitable (crash).
What causes blood sugar spikes?
Glucose normally fluctuates throughout the day, particularly after meals.
This is a normal response to your blood sugar.
However, consistent or severe fluctuations warrant attention and are likely indicative of underlying health issues.
Some of those lifestyle choices includeshifting your diet.
Other essential lifestyle choices?
Getting enough sleep and keeping stress under control.
Elevated cortisol over time leads to increased blood glucose."
You could also notice some dizziness, irritability, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating.
Fatigue is relieved by eating, and your energy will fluctuate wildly, right along with your blood sugar.
Its your bodys way of saying, Hey, I need a snack (read glucose)!
Feeling off after eating a high-carb meal like pasta or rice is also a good indicator.
Especially sodas and fruit juices, he says.
Instead, increase dietary fiber such as vegetables and whole grains.
Darian agrees, reiterating the importance of fiber.
Another tip is to pair carbohydrate-containing foods with sources of protein and healthy fat.
For example, serving brown rice with salmon.
This is what the Glucose Goddess refers to as putting clothes on your carbs.
Oh, and no: This doesnt meannosugar.
Protein also helps keep you fuller longer, preventing cravings.
Physical activity, or lack thereof, will affect blood sugar levels, says Gioffre.
Exercise can lead to increased glucose uptake by muscles, temporarily lowering blood sugar.
On the flip side, a sedentary lifestyle with prolonged sitting may contribute to higher blood sugar levels.
Dr. Comite also recommends weight training.
Muscle stores glucose in the form of glycogen, keeping the levels of sugar in your bloodstream stable.
Both exercise and vitamin D are associated with lower diabetes risk, he says.
Each person is unique.
Surprisingly, even identical twins do not necessarily respond the same, Dr. Comite says.
Switch up food intake to assess your response with the CGM," she advises.
Try singular foods one at a time and meals to see what works best for your body profile.
Dr. Comite is such a fan, in fact, that shes been wearing a CGM for several years.
I can better control my sugar levels to stay on an even keel, she explains.
I recommend that all my patients use one because Ive seen that everyone has a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism.
They can conduct tests and provide guidance based on your individual health status, Dr. Comite says.
Why is blood sugar trending now?
Just because somethings trending doesn’t mean its trivial.
That said, its up to you to do your own research.
This includes the rise in GLP-1 medications like Ozempic that target glucose levels, says Dr. Comite.
The once-a-week GLP-1 agonist injectables has raised awareness [about blood sugar], she says.
