If you live here or have visited New Orleans, you probably experienced the deliciousness of beignets, bread pudding, king cakes and pralines to name just a few local favorites. When that sweetness touches the tip of your tongue, your taste buds send a signal to the brain and the result is immediate pleasure. What is at the root of all this deliciousness? If you guessed sugar, you are correct!
We all need sugar in our blood to provide cells with energy. When you eat the praline, your pancreas releases the hormone insulin to help move sugar (glucose) from the blood into cells. When you keep indulging in sweets, your pancreas will secrete more and more insulin in an attempt to manage blood sugar levels. During King Cake season, your pancreas is in overdrive!
Insulin resistance is when your cells stop opening up to receive the sugar (glucose), and sugar remains in your bloodstream. Over time, your pancreas may no longer be able to produce enough insulin to overcome insulin resistance. This can lead to higher-than-normal blood glucose levels. When this happens, you have prediabetes and, if not reversed, can lead to type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can cause damage to many parts of the body and can cause high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries.
It is important to maintain healthy blood sugar to avoid becoming insulin resistant and pre-diabetic. You doctor can perform a glucose screening test to determine if you are at risk. The good news is that diabetes can often be prevented or reversed through healthy lifestyle choices, including exercise, diet, losing weight, getting enough sleep, increased water intake and managing stress. Make a conscience effort to lower/maintain your blood sugar level and your pancreas will love you for it.
(An informative health and wellness article from the Chamber’s Live Better St. Tammany Committee member The Blood Center.)