Read the most recent article on this topic: COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE on The Dangers of Sugar: Insulin Spikes, Sugar Crashes, and a Sugar-Free Life
Today’s people consume large amounts of sugar. A so-called diet fruit yogurt contains approximately 24 grams. A small bottle of cola contains 36 grams of sugar. Tomato ketchup and applesauce consist of 24% sugar. It’s in almost everything, so we consume large quantities of it.
It is a carbohydrate (like vegetables, fruits, potatoes), but of the worst kind. Normally, carbohydrates are digested slowly in the digestive tract before being absorbed into the bloodstream as glucose. Such slow release does not force the body to take emergency measures.
With refined carbohydrates, glucose suddenly appears in large quantities in the blood. This high concentration in the blood is dangerous, and the body responds by secreting insulin (from the pancreas), which lowers blood sugar levels again.
With constant sugar intake, the pancreas becomes overstimulated and secretes insulin at the slightest sugar intake. As soon as this level drops, we feel tired and hungry. We eat something again and immediately feel good again. Yes, for about half an hour, because immediately the pancreas starts secreting insulin again and the sugar level drops again, after which we feel tired and hungry again.
The cycle we’re in: we don’t feel well and eat something sweet. This raises our blood sugar level and we feel good again. The pancreas lowers this again and we don’t feel well again and have to eat sweets again. This stage is now called hypoglycemia.
Eventually, the pancreas becomes overworked and stops producing insulin. The result is an elevated level, which we call hyperglycemia or diabetes. From: MEdium, R.A. Nieuwenhuis RA.
Also read: COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE on The Dangers of Sugar: Insulin Spikes, Sugar Crashes, and a Sugar-Free Life
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does too much sugar lead to hypoglycemia?
Too much sugar causes spikes in blood sugar levels, after which the pancreas produces large amounts of insulin to lower these spikes. This can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, which causes hypoglycemia.
What is the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood sugar levels are too low, often caused by excessive insulin production. Hyperglycemia is a high blood sugar level, which can occur when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
How can sugar consumption cause diabetes?
With excessive sugar consumption, the pancreas becomes overworked and may stop producing sufficient insulin, leading to chronically high blood sugar levels and eventually diabetes (hyperglycemia).
Why do I feel tired after eating sugar?
After eating sugar, your blood sugar level rises quickly, followed by a large amount of insulin that lowers your blood sugar level again. This rapid drop can lead to fatigue and hunger.
What are refined carbohydrates?
Refined carbohydrates are processed carbohydrates that are quickly absorbed into the blood as glucose, such as sugar and white bread. They cause rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar levels.
