The perils of eating too much sugar have never been more apparent, with substantial evidence linking it to obesity, fatty liver, and type 2 diabetes.
"Sugar levels spike because we either eat foods that cause rapid blood sugar increases or because we don't have enough storage space to put circulating blood sugar away. Or both," board-certified preventative cardiologist Dr Elizabeth Klodas told GB News.
"Muscle is a large storage site for sugar, so lower muscle mass leads to more blood sugar spikes, meaning that habitually sitting rather than moving can quietly drive blood sugar spikes," Dr Klodas explained.
Highly processed foods, particularly those with added sugars, are digested and absorbed quickly, causing rapid glucose spikes.
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Habitually sitting rather than moving can quietly drive blood sugar spikes
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"Many cereals fall into this category," she added.
But trying to fix the problem with drastic measures can equally backfire, as skipping meals and pushing yourself too hard at the gym won't deliver lasting results.
Dr Klodas noted: "Extreme lifestyle changes can impact blood sugar levels, but they are not sustainable."
Dr Jonathan Spages from the Advanced Natural Health Centre went further, warning that missing meals damages your metabolism over time.
"Skipping meals ultimately breaks the metabolism," he said.
"That is actually a sure sign that a patient has a broken metabolism when they say, 'I'm not hungry, I could eat one meal a day and be fine'."
For those already struggling with blood sugar issues, intense workouts can further wreak havoc, as strenuous exercise stresses the body's systems and potentially increases insulin resistance.
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How to spot blood sugar problems?
Spotting blood sugar problems early is tricky because the warning signs often go unnoticed. Doctors typically use HbA1C testing, which measures blood sugar control over the previous two to three months.
A reading below 5.7 per cent is considered normal, while anything between 5.7 and 6.3 per cent indicates pre-diabetes. A result of 6.4 per cent or higher means type 2 diabetes is present.
Problematically, everyone who develops type 2 diabetes passes through the pre-diabetes stage first, and before that comes insulin resistance.
"Insulin resistance refers to a state where the body requires higher levels of insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check," Dr Klodas explained.
"Unlike HbA1C, checking insulin levels is not routine, so even your doctor could miss this metabolic disturbance."
The good news is that preventing blood sugar problems doesn't require anything extreme.
Dr Klodas recommended staying physically active, incorporating regular strength training, keeping your weight in check, and eating whole, minimally processed foods while avoiding added sugars.
Refined sugars can send blood glucose levels soaring
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"The added sugars callout is important," she said. "Sugars that appear in foods naturally, like in whole fruit, have a very different impact on circulating blood sugar levels, because they come as part of a fibre-laden package."
That fibre slows down digestion and glucose absorption, keeping blood sugar levels steadier throughout the day.
Dr Spages also highlighted that struggling to lose weight or feeling constantly tired could signal that organs like the liver, adrenals, thyroid or pancreas need attention.
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