Last week we discussed signs and symptoms of dysregulated blood sugar levels. Now, if you were concerned, I recommended speaking to your GP, however, often if you’re not pre-diabetic or diabetic, they’re not very concerned about your levels, and won’t really spend the time to get them under control.
So, today, I wanted to share how to take your own glucose readings, so you can see what your blood sugar levels are doing over the day, and so you can tweak your meals to better suit your blood sugar needs.
Show notes
Reference ranges info and tools
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/blood-sugar-converter.html#google_vignette
https://www.levels.com/blog/what-should-my-glucose-levels-be-ultimate-guide
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/tests/blood-sugar
Helpful resources
https://endometriosis.net/living/diet-sugar
https://endometriosis.net/living/how-to-balance-your-blood-sugar-levels-to-reduce-endo-symptoms
https://www.theendobellycoach.com/podcast/endo-blood-sugar-gargi-parikh
https://www.theendobellycoach.com/podcast/glycemic-index-load-endo
https://www.theendobellycoach.com/podcast/endo-and-pms-the-key-to-reducing-mood-swings-anxiety-and-low-moods-in-your-luteal-phase
https://www.theendobellycoach.com/podcast/non-food-blood-sugar-management
https://www.theendobellycoach.com/podcast/reduce-fatigue-endometriosis-symptoms-and-oestrogen-dominance
https://www.theendobellycoach.com/podcast/endo-carbs-blood-sugar
Endo and blood sugar research
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10967113/
https://eurjmedres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40001-023-01280-7
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8609862/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-35236-y
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378512223004115
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37673102/
If using a CGM
A few things to be aware of –
Your blood sugar may see erratic or very high within the first 24 hours of wearing a CGM, this is normally an adjustment period so don’t worry about that.
Blood sugar levels tend to spike with exercise, stress and hot showers/baths. Don’t worry about exercise or showers, your body will regulate itself, but you may want to work on your stress if it’s influencing your blood sugar levels a lot!
Your blood sugar will likely be more erratic in your luteal phase, so you may need to put some extra support in place.
Your blood sugar levels are likely to be higher after a bad night’s sleep, so you’ll need to put more support in.
Sleeping on the arm with yoru CGM can create inaccurate results, so if anything seems unsual in the night, try sleeping on another side. However, be aware we can have dips and peaks at night too.
Need more help or want to learn how to work with me?
Free resources:
This podcast!
Ways to work with me:
This EndoLife, It Starts with Breakfast digital cookbook
Masterclasses in endo nutrition, surgery prep and recovery and pain relief
Live and Thrive with Endo: The Foundations DIY course
One to one coaching info and application
This episode is sponsored by BeYou Cramp Relief Patches. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-
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