Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine

About blood sugar?

Hello Doctor, my blood sugar situation is as follows: Four years ago, my fasting blood sugar was 75.
Two years ago, I experienced a period of dry mouth and thought I might have diabetes, so I went for a test, and my fasting blood sugar was 99.
The doctor reviewed the report and, seeing my concern, also tested my postprandial blood sugar, which was 104.
He said it was normal and not to worry.
A year ago, I recalled my previous situation and started to overthink it again.
Eventually, I couldn't handle the anxiety and went for another test; my fasting blood sugar was 80.
Currently, my BMI is 21 (I used to be underweight), and I am 23 years old.
My routine is to sleep at 2 AM and wake up at 11 AM.
This year, my diet has included a daily cup of tea with one-third sugar from 7-11.
Recently, I noticed ants near my drinking cup, which made me worry again about possibly having diabetes (I don't have a habit of brushing my teeth, and I don't wash the cup, so I'm not sure if there's a connection).

Xin Xian Ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/19

Dr. Zhang Chunfang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Maintain a healthy lifestyle by going to bed early and waking up early.
Aim to sleep by 10:30 PM and wake up at 6:30 AM.
Ensure a balanced diet consisting of the five food groups along with 2000 milliliters of plain water.
Engage in physical activity such as brisk walking for half an hour, aiming for a total of 10,000 steps, while being able to talk slightly out of breath.
Chiayi Hospital is concerned about your health.

Reply Date: 2023/01/19

More Info

Understanding blood sugar levels is crucial, especially for individuals who may have concerns about diabetes or related health issues. Your situation reflects a common anxiety regarding blood sugar levels, particularly when there are fluctuations or symptoms that may suggest a problem. Let's break down your concerns and provide some insights based on both conventional medical knowledge and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Blood Sugar Levels and Their Interpretation
From your reported blood sugar levels, it appears that you have experienced a range of values over the past few years. A fasting blood sugar level of 75 mg/dL is considered normal, while a level of 99 mg/dL is on the higher end of the normal range, approaching the prediabetes threshold. Your postprandial (after meal) blood sugar of 104 mg/dL is also within the normal range, although it is important to monitor how your body responds to different foods and meal timings.

Concerns About Diabetes
Your concerns about diabetes, especially given the symptoms of dry mouth and the presence of ants near your drinking cup, are understandable. Ants are often attracted to sugary substances, which can lead to worries about excessive sugar in your diet or potential diabetes. However, it is essential to focus on your actual blood sugar readings rather than assumptions based on environmental cues.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective
In TCM, the concept of "Qi" (vital energy) and the balance of Yin and Yang play significant roles in health. Blood sugar regulation can be viewed through the lens of these principles. For instance, excessive consumption of sweet foods or drinks, such as the sugary tea you mentioned, can lead to an imbalance that may manifest as symptoms like dry mouth or fatigue. TCM practitioners might recommend dietary adjustments, such as reducing sweet and processed foods, and incorporating more whole foods, vegetables, and proteins to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Dietary Recommendations
1. Balanced Diet: Aim for a diet rich in whole foods, including vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. This can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

2. Limit Sugary Beverages: Reducing your intake of sweetened drinks, including tea with added sugar, can help prevent spikes in blood sugar. Consider switching to unsweetened beverages or herbal teas.

3. Regular Meals: Eating at regular intervals can help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Skipping meals or having irregular eating patterns can lead to fluctuations.

4. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. Dehydration can sometimes mimic symptoms of high blood sugar.

5. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.

Monitoring and Professional Guidance
Given your fluctuating blood sugar levels and concerns, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional. Regular monitoring of your blood sugar, especially if you have a family history of diabetes, can provide peace of mind and help identify any potential issues early on.

Conclusion
In summary, while your blood sugar levels have shown some variation, they currently appear to be within acceptable ranges. However, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and hydration play significant roles in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Incorporating TCM principles can also provide a holistic approach to your health. If your concerns persist, consider discussing them with a healthcare provider who can offer personalized advice and support.

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