Our body’s ability to manage blood glucose levels is crucial for maintaining overall health. Blood sugar regulation is a complex process involving physiological procedures, enzymes, and the interplay of hormones. Too high or too low blood sugar levels lead to different health conditions.
Read on to understand the relationship between blood sugar and hormones for a healthy life. It is easy to go through the top hormones involved in blood sugar regulation, the impact of hormones on blood sugar levels, the effects on metabolism, and the top ways to manage it.
Blood sugar regulation- Hormones involved
The top hormones involved in regulating the blood sugar levels in our body cover the following:
- Insulin
It is released by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to high blood glucose levels after meals. Insufficient insulin resistance creates high blood sugar levels in the body.
- Glucagon
It is released by the alpha cells of the pancreas in response to low blood glucose levels in the body. Insulin and Glucagon work together to maintain blood sugar levels.
- Cortisol
It is released by the adrenal glands of the body in response to low blood sugar levels and stress. The high levels of cortisol for prolonged time leads to metabolic issues, obesity, and other health issues.
- Adrenaline or Epinephrine
Ideally called the hormone to counter stress, adrenaline is released by the adrenal glands raising the blood sugar levels.
- Growth Hormone
It is released by the pituitary gland and raises the blood sugar levels by increasing the insulin resistance.
Hormonal impact on blood sugar balance
Any issues in the functioning of top hormones regulating blood sugar levels result in:
- High Blood Sugar or Hyperglycemia
It is the condition in which the body is unable to lower the blood sugar levels. Hence, glucose can’t be taken up by cells of the body properly. It can damage blood vessels, and nerves, and damages internal organs of our body.
- Low Blood Sugar or Hypoglycemia
It is the condition in which the body suffers from reduced blood sugar levels. In response to it, the body releases epinephrine and glucagon to balance blood sugar levels. It causes shakiness, confusion, and dizziness.
Effect of hormonal imbalance on metabolism
Our metabolism is severely impacted when there are disruptions in the blood sugar-regulating hormones in the following ways:
- Insulin resistance
It creates a reduced response of our body’s cells to insulin which further is linked with obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and a high-fat diet.
- Chronic stress
People with chronic stress face cortisol overproduction promoting weight gain and impaired insulin function. It leads to high blood sugar levels.
- Leptin resistance
The resistance to leptin, a hormone signaling satiety leads to overeating, and metabolic dysfunction leading to poor sugar control.
Ways to manage blood sugar with hormonal balance
With a strong correlation between blood sugar and hormones, here are some of the effective and practical ways to manage blood sugar with a focus on hormonal balance:
- Having a balanced diet
A diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, and fiber-rich carbohydrates manages blood sugar levels with reduced stress on the hormonal balance of our body.
- Performing regular exercises
Muscles can use glucose efficiently when exercising regularly. So, a daily exercise schedule helps in glucose absorption and improves insulin sensitivity.
- Managing your stress levels
Chronic stress can increase cortisol and other stress hormones and hence you must manage your stress levels. All you need to do is practice yoga and meditation to eliminate stress from your lifestyle.
- Ensuring proper sleep
Sleep quality hampers the balance of hormones like leptin, ghrelin, and cortisol in our body. Hence, you must get proper sleep of at least eight hours daily for good hormonal health.
Concluding Thoughts
Blood sugar and hormones have an intricate connection which is crucial for maintaining overall health and balanced energy levels. The top hormones involved in maintaining blood sugar levels are insulin, glucagon, cortisol, adrenaline, growth hormone, leptin, and Ghrelin. The hormonal impact on blood sugar imbalance causes high or low blood sugar levels with its impact on insulin resistance, chronic stress, elevated cortisol, and leptin resistance.
However, it is easy to manage blood sugar with hormonal balance by following a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and proper sleep. Click here to get more information!
