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HomeHEALTHLive longer, live better: control blood sugar

Live longer, live better: control blood sugar

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Controlling blood sugar is essential for maintaining overall health. Blood sugar levels have a direct impact on various organs and systems in the body.

Blood sugar and its effect on different body organs and systems

Here are some of the key effects of blood sugar on different organs and systems:

Brain: The brain relies heavily on glucose for energy. High or low blood sugar levels can affect cognitive function, mood, and behaviour. Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can lead to confusion, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness, while high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) can impair memory and concentration.

Heart and Blood Vessels: Chronic high blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. It can also lead to poor circulation, which may result in complications like peripheral artery disease.

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Kidneys: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys’ blood vessels, impairing their function and potentially leading to kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy). Over time, kidney function can deteriorate, which may require dialysis in severe cases.

Eyes: Elevated blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can cause vision loss if not managed properly. It can also increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma.

Nervous System: Chronic high blood sugar can damage nerves, leading to diabetic neuropathy. This condition can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet, and may also affect other organs, like the digestive system (gastroparesis), resulting in issues like bloating, nausea, and constipation.

Skin: Elevated blood sugar can affect skin health, leading to conditions like dry skin, poor wound healing, and an increased risk of infections. In some cases, it can also cause skin conditions like diabetic dermopathy and necrobiosis lipoidica.

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Immune System: High blood sugar can impair the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. People with diabetes, for example, may have an increased risk of skin infections, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections.

Hormonal Balance: Blood sugar imbalances can affect the release of hormones like insulin, cortisol, and leptin, which are crucial for regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, stress response, and hunger.

Liver: The liver plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose as needed. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to fatty liver disease and other liver-related issues.

Blood sugar and its impact on overall health and longevity

Blood sugar regulation plays a crucial role in determining overall health and longevity. Properly regulating blood sugar can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and slow down the aging process. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to various chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, and even cognitive decline. Hence blood sugar levels should be managed to prevent damage to the vital organs and enhance the quality of life.

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Uncontrolled blood sugar levels over long periods can lead to many chronic conditions that can shorten the lifespan. These include:

  • Chronic high blood sugar can lead to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, neuropathy, and vision loss.
  • High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and promote the formation of plaques in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • High blood sugar can damage kidney blood vessels, leading to diabetic nephropathy and kidney failure.
  • Insulin resistance and prolonged elevated blood sugar levels can increase the risk of liver, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.
  • Chronic high blood sugar can increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the body which can accelerate the aging process and damage or break down cells and tissues in the body faster than normal.
  • High blood sugar levels can lead to a process called glycation, where excess glucose binds to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, forming advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These damaged cells, tissues, and organs, can lead to development of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cataract, and cardiovascular disease.
  • High blood sugar has been shown to accelerate telomere (the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes) shortening, which is associated with cellular aging.  
  • Consistent regulation of blood sugar helps maintain optimal levels of insulin and other growth hormones. High insulin levels which occur due to frequently elevated blood sugar are linked to faster aging and development of metabolic diseases. On the other hand, controlled insulin levels support healthy metabolism and cellular repair, which are essential for longevity.
  • Balanced blood sugar also helps in maintaining healthy body weight, avoid obesity, and regulate other hormones. Obesity linked to poor blood sugar regulation increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes, all of which can reduce the lifespan.
  • Proper blood sugar level can support brain functions like memory, cognition and prevent or delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline. Chronic high blood sugar is linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Conclusion

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices can help promote longevity by reducing the risk of chronic diseases, minimizing cellular damage, and supporting overall metabolic health. This, in turn, can slow down the aging process, improve quality of life, and extend lifespan. It’s important to prioritize balanced blood sugar to support long-term health and well-being.

Research suggests that intermittent fasting and caloric restriction can help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, which can reduce blood sugar spikes and activate cellular repair processes like autophagy, which help remove damaged cells.

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Taazakhabar News Bureau
Taazakhabar News Bureau
Taazakhabar News Bureau is a team of seasoned journalists led by Neeraj Mahajan. Trusted by millions readers worldwide.

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