Blood sugar levels: Six ways to take control of your sugar intake

Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is an important part of avoiding long-term health issues.

Blood sugar levels are the amount of glucose found in the blood.

And in today’s fast-paced society we are consuming more sugar than ever.

According to the NHS, sugar consumption should account for no more than 5% of our daily calorie intake.

But in reality many people are letting sugar account for a whopping 20% of their intake.

3. You’ll feel better

Sugar is an “all-round bad guy when it comes to mental health”, says Gudrun.

If you are feeling down, try to avoid sugar and you may start to feel a bit better.

Gudrun said: “In fact, sugar may be exacerbating the problem and making things seem worse than they really are.

“And anxiety is a classic symptom of low blood sugar, as is shakiness, dizziness, and increasing sweating.

“If you suffer from panic attacks, your diet might be to blame.”

4. You’ll be less hungry

Excess consumption of sugar can leave you feeling hungrier, and therefore more likely to overeat.

Gudrun said: “As sugar has virtually no nutritional content or benefits, it won’t keep you feeling full for long either, and eating too much can leave you craving sugar and in search of your next ‘sugar high’, thanks to its highly addictive nature.”

3. You’ll feel better

Sugar is an “all-round bad guy when it comes to mental health”, says Gudrun.

If you are feeling down, try to avoid sugar and you may start to feel a bit better.

Gudrun said: “In fact, sugar may be exacerbating the problem and making things seem worse than they really are.

“And anxiety is a classic symptom of low blood sugar, as is shakiness, dizziness, and increasing sweating.

“If you suffer from panic attacks, your diet might be to blame.”

4. You’ll be less hungry

Excess consumption of sugar can leave you feeling hungrier, and therefore more likely to overeat.

Gudrun said: “As sugar has virtually no nutritional content or benefits, it won’t keep you feeling full for long either, and eating too much can leave you craving sugar and in search of your next ‘sugar high’, thanks to its highly addictive nature.”

5. It will aid digestion

If there is too much sugar in your body for your bloodstream to absorb, it will continue its journey through your digestive system.

Gudrun explained: “The bacteria in the bowels feast on these sugars, emitting gasses which can lead to abdominal discomfort, bloating and flatulence.

“It’s also likely that too much sugar can invite an influx of harmful bacteria (and yeasts like candida) into the digestive system which can result in more serious long-term digestive problems.”

6. Improved skin and nails

If you are eating a lot of sugar it can cause bad skin and weakened nails.

Gudrun explained: “This is because of a bodily process which is stimulated by sugar consumption called glycation.

“Simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar cause insulin levels to spike, which leads to a surge of inflammation throughout the body.

“The inflammation produces enzymes that break down collages and elastin, causing wrinkles, acne and pigmentation.

“A more balanced diet which is low in sugar can help improve the appearance of skin and nails, giving you brighter, smoother complexion and stronger nails, which are less prone to breaking.”

However, high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycaemia, can potentially be dangerous, especially for people with diabetes.

Symptoms of hyperglycaemia in people with diabetes include tiredness, blurred vision, tummy pain and increased thirst, according to the NHS.

Contact your GP if you are worried you may have hyperglycaemia.

5. It will aid digestion

If there is too much sugar in your body for your bloodstream to absorb, it will continue its journey through your digestive system.

Gudrun explained: “The bacteria in the bowels feast on these sugars, emitting gasses which can lead to abdominal discomfort, bloating and flatulence.

“It’s also likely that too much sugar can invite an influx of harmful bacteria (and yeasts like candida) into the digestive system which can result in more serious long-term digestive problems.”

6. Improved skin and nails

If you are eating a lot of sugar it can cause bad skin and weakened nails.

Gudrun explained: “This is because of a bodily process which is stimulated by sugar consumption called glycation.

“Simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar cause insulin levels to spike, which leads to a surge of inflammation throughout the body.

“The inflammation produces enzymes that break down collages and elastin, causing wrinkles, acne and pigmentation.

“A more balanced diet which is low in sugar can help improve the appearance of skin and nails, giving you brighter, smoother complexion and stronger nails, which are less prone to breaking.”

However, high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycaemia, can potentially be dangerous, especially for people with diabetes.

Symptoms of hyperglycaemia in people with diabetes include tiredness, blurred vision, tummy pain and increased thirst, according to the NHS.

Contact your GP if you are worried you may have hyperglycaemia.

• Type-2 diabetes

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