Sugar and Insulin: What do they do?

Living in the United States, it’s apparent that we’ve lost touch with how our bodies function. I came to this realization after having a conversation with a friend who told me she was pre-diabetic. She shared that information and that she would be starting a new exercise routine. However, she was indulging in her favorite soda at the time which had a lot of sugar. I was confused because her gym talk and her current actions were conflicting, but we don’t know what we don’t know.

The Body

The first thing to know is that the body has 37 trillion cells according to National Geographic. Each individual cell needs sugar to survive. Sugar provides the structure, communication, and the energy source that each cell needs to function properly.

Note: Sugar flows through your circulatory system, a.k.a the vascular system, by way of blood. This is why they call it your ‘Blood Sugar Level’ or ‘Blood Glucose Level’. (The words ‘sugar’ and ‘glucose’ are interchangeable).

The Different Types of Sugars

The three main types of sugars are glucose, fructose, and galactose. Glucose is found in nature, specifically in plants, and it also happens naturally in our body. Fructose is found in all fruits, some vegetables, and it can even be found in honey. The last is galactose which is not as common, but it’s found in dairy. Once we consume of these types of sugars, the body eventually breaks it all down to basic glucose.

Note: Each of these sugars can combine with its counterparts to form more complex sugars (such as glucose and galactose combine to make lactose).

Sugar Consumption and Insulin Production

When we eat sugar (or glucose), the pancreas is stimulated to release insulin. At the same time, the glucose either goes into the bloodstream to begin circulation or to the liver. As blood glucose circulates, the insulin from the pancreas works to “open the door” for the glucose to enter the cells. Any extra glucose is returned to the liver for storage. However, insulin is continuously released until the Blood Glucose Level is back to normal.

Note: Consuming the more complex sugars such as high fructose corn syrup, added sugars, or starch will create a surge of insulin. This happens because of the compounded glucoses in the body. A surge in insulin can also happen when the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response kicks in because the adrenal glands release hormones that also release glucose.

Too Much of a Good Thing

If there is a constant influx of sugar in the body, then insulin will continue to be released by the pancreas. The term pre-diabetic, once it’s watered down, means pre-insulin resistant. This means body is in the process of downregulating (or lowering its natural response to) insulin. Since our cells have no use for the glucose that insulin is trying to usher in, then our cells begin to ignore insulin altogether. If the imbalance continues unchecked for too long, then we may develop Type II Diabetes.

Finding Balance Again

To return the body back to its natural state of balance, the consumption of sugars and stress (or anxiousness) must be monitored. It is in the best interest of the body to trade the complex and processed sugars (like starch and added sugar) for the more simple and natural sugars and fiber.

It is said that the body craves sugar due to a lack of bitters. Taking a bitter tincture or having a bitter tea when you’re craving sugar is a way to curb our body’s sugar addiction. Even though the body needs sugar to survive, too many complex sugars can throw the body out of balance.

After our conversation, she vowed to cut back on her soda consumption. She also agreed to find better ways to cope with stress instead of grabbing the nearest candy bar. With her actively monitoring her sugar intake and becoming more active, I certainly believe she will return to normal in no time.

This article is for informational purposes only. May your path be inspired!