Blood sugar or blood glucose provides the main source of energy for your body. After a meal, the carbohydrate part of your food is broken down into a number of components, mainly glucose. Your body naturally regulates blood sugar levels but when imbalances occur, it can lead to blood sugar disturbances resulting in lifestyle induced type-2 diabetes, hypoglycaemia or insulin resistance. It’s estimated that over 2 million Australians have pre-diabetes where blood sugar levels are higher than normal.

How does your body regulate blood sugar?

Your pancreas acts like a conductor, directing various messengers such as insulin, glucose tolerance factor and glucagon to play their part in regulating blood sugar levels. Pancreatic beta cells (Islets of Langerhans) constantly monitor the level of glucose in your bloodstream and then direct hormone messengers to maintain a balance. Insulin signals your body to allow glucose to enter cells and insulin resistance increases insulin production as your body tries to compensate for the resistance. Insulin transports the majority of glucose from your bloodstream into your cells for readily available energy. Excess glucose is converted into glycogen and stored in your liver and muscles as a secondary or ‘back-up’ source of energy.  Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF) works closely with insulin to transport glucose into you cells so helping regulate sugar levels. If there is not enough readily available glucose available in your bloodstream, your pancreas releases glucagon converting stored energy (glycogen) back into glucose, increasing sugar levels. Your body can't use glycogen directly as an immediate source of energy and cannot store glucose in the muscles or liver.

Glycaemic index (GI) of foods on blood sugar levels

GI is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on sugar levels, so looking at the type of carbohydrates we eat is important for balancing blood sugar levels. Low GI carbohydrates provide a slow release of glucose whereas high GI carbohydrates provide a quick energy hit followed by a big drop in energy. Choosing low to medium GI carbohydrates provides a steady and long lasting energy supply without the ups and downs and constant stress on your pancreas. Balancing blood sugar levels naturally with herbs and nutrients

• Gymnema reduces the rate of sugar absorption into the bloodstream, helps reduce sugar cravings and increases the number of cells in the pancreas responsible for insulin production

• Fenugreek has traditionally been used as a supportive therapy promoting healthy glucose levels

• Alpha Lipoic acid improves glucose metabolism and helps transport blood sugar into cells

• Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) is an important cofactor of GTF

• Chromium is essential for GTF and increases the number of insulin receptors available for glucose absorption

• Resveratrol may improve glucose metabolism and help normalise blood sugar levels

• Magnesium assists in the maintenance of normal healthy blood glucose metabolism by improving the cells response to insulin

• Vitamin D receptors are found on beta cells in the pancreas and vitamin D plays an important role in normal insulin secretion

'Ask a naturopath'  at the Mr Vitamins store to give you advice on a treatment plan that will suit you best

Mr Vitamins recommends

Herbs of Gold nutritional supplements for Balancing Blood Sugar

1. GlucoPlex
2. Muscle Resuscitation
3. Resveratrol AdvantAGE

Find out more and shop online for supplements for Balancing Blood Sugar above. Also 'ask a Naturopath' for expert advice on what blood sugar product is best for you.