Blood sugar (glucose) is the human body’s main source of fuel. It is regulated by hormones such as insulin. If your blood sugar levels drop too low, your brain will no longer function correctly until those levels are restored. If your blood sugar levels escalate too high, you could be at risk for conditions such as metabolic syndrome or diabetes.   

Chronic elevated glucose is a contributing cause of heart disease, cognitive decline, and many other chronic health conditions as a result of inflammation within the blood vessels. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels can be difficult for folks who consume the average American diet, laden with artificial sugars. However, there are ways to measure your blood sugar levels to ensure they remain inside the optimal range. 

These measurements are taken with a fasting glucose—or Hemoglobin A1c—test, which monitors your average glucose levels across a three-month timespan. It’s ideal to maintain an A1c average glucose level of 5.7 or less. 

Another recent invention, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), can be immensely helpful in controlling those blood sugar levels. This monitor shows you what occurs inside your bloodstream when eating certain foods. It resembles a small patch, applied to the back of your arm with a tiny needle that “tastes” your blood 24 hours a day. This patch transmits data from your blood to a mobile app, so you can see in real time which foods to limit or avoid altogether. The more you know, the more control you’ll have.  

Carol Roberts, MD, is the lead practitioner at Best Medicine, Inc. Location: 2106 Bispham Rd., Sarasota. For more information, call 941-404-8030 or visit https://bestmedicine.us/