Even without taking a blood test, this sign is characteristic according to our endocrinologist.
Eating naturally raises the level of glucose in the blood (sugar), this is what we call “glycemia”. Insulin lowers this level. Then, eating again raises it and so on, non-stop. During the day, if we have a healthy lifestyle (good sleep, balanced meals, regular physical activity, not too much stress…) and if we do not abuse sugars, “we can see that the curve goes up and down like a harmonious wave. This is normal, it reflects your supply of “fuel” which, of course, must be continuous“, explains Dr. Pierre Nys, endocrinologist-nutritionist and author of the book “L’alimentation Glucose Control” (ed. Leduc).
Blood sugar levels fluctuate depending on what we eat. If we eat too quickly, eat too many carbohydrates, or snack throughout the day, blood sugar levels spike and these spikes are detrimental to energy, mood, brain or muscle function, hormones, and weight.In our body, everything is designed to function in a certain balance. Excess glucose damages blood vessels, nerves, eyes, heart, kidneys, skin and causes inflammation. […] Too much glucose is not the cause of all our ills but it is involved, to a greater or lesser degree, in many health problems (diabetes, excess weight, hypertension, weak immunity, etc.)“, he continues. Unless you do blood tests, it is not always easy to know if you have a “glucose problem”, in other words a glucose level that is too unstable. However, certain signs can raise alarms:
► At the face level: “You have swollen areas like water bags under your eyes, under your chin. You have outbreaks of acne or eczema pimples“, describes the expert.
► In terms of appetite: “You often have food cravings, food fixations, you gain weight or you can’t lose it despite a diet…“. Also, you can’t do without a dessert after your meal (the desire for something sweet is stronger than anything) and you calm stress and anxiety with large doses of chocolate, dessert cream or spread.
► At body level: “You have inflammations (mouth, skin, mucous membranes, lungs, muscles, joints)… it sometimes “flares up” for no reason. You often have unexplained sinusitis… or you suffer from repeated digestive, genital, oral mycoses“
► At the energy level: “You sleep badly, your nights are “chopped”, during the day, you doze off, nod off especially after meals. You feel weak, you shake or you regularly have to sit or lie down. You are sometimes unable to think normally, it is a complete fog in your head. The ultimate sign is that you are tired and you don’t even realize it anymore because it is so much your daily life.“.
“If you answer yes to just one of these statements, glucose may already be a problem. From 3-4 “yes” answers, it becomes almost a certainty. 10-15 “yes” answers, there is no doubt.“, says Dr. Pierre Nys. You can consult your GP for their opinion. They will decide whether to continue the investigations and the most appropriate treatment. At the same time, it is advisable to reduce your sugar intake, choose your starches carefully (favor whole wheat and rice, vary your starches: quinoa, buckwheat, barley, etc.), increase your protein and fiber intake, get back to good sleep hygiene and a sports routine.