Blood sugar refers to how much glucose is present in the blood. If blood sugar rises too high, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin to help bring the level down to normal. Similarly, if the sugar drops too low, the pancreas releases the hormone glucagon which brings the sugar levels back up to normal by drawing the sugar out of the liver and the muscles into the blood.

The normal range for blood sugar is 70 to 99. 100 to 119 is considered pre-diabetic. 120 and higher is considered diabetic.

There are 3 types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 is also known as juvenile diabetes. It is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas and stops the pancreas from functioning, thus preventing the production of insulin. Without insulin, blood sugar rises and can cause serious health issues, and can be fatal if it gets too high.

Type 2 diabetes is when the cells of the body become resistant to insulin, thus preventing the insulin’s ability to draw the sugar out of the blood and into the cells, thus causing blood sugar to elevate. The pancreas tries to compensate for the elevated sugar by pumping high amounts of insulin into the blood in order to try and storm the cells. But after a while the pancreas gets worn out and can no longer produce insulin efficiently. Then the individual becomes diabetic.

Gestational diabetes occurs or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. After the baby is born, the woman’s sugar levels generally returns to normal.

Blood sugar issues can lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, obesity and numerous other conditions. Proper diet, nutritional supplementation and exercise play a major role in restoring blood sugar to a healthy range. Proper alignment of the pancreas and liver also plays a major role in blood sugar maintenance.