April Wellness Wednesday Part I

For April’s Wellness Wednesday, Chelsey Jackson helped attendees understand the relationship between blood sugar, diabetes, and MS. People with MS have a higher risk of insulin resistance, which means the body has a harder time using insulin to regulate blood sugar. Over time, this can lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes if left unaddressed.

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin is the hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into the cells where it can be used for energy. If your body becomes resistant to insulin, your blood sugar levels rise, leading to inflammation and increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. Some symptoms include weight gain around the midsection, high blood pressure, and fatigue.

Chelsey explained that a fasting insulin test is a powerful yet often overlooked tool that can detect insulin resistance years before a diabetes diagnosis. If you are concerned about your blood sugar levels, talk to your doctor about getting tested.

Foods that affect blood sugar:

Chelsey broke down the difference between complex and simple carbohydrates:

Complex carbs, such as whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits, digest slowly and help keep blood sugar levels stable.

Simple or refined carbs, such as white bread, sugary drinks, and pastries, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar.

Tips for better blood sugar control:

• Combine carbs with protein or healthy fat to slow digestion. For example, eat an apple with peanut butter or pair a banana with a handful of almonds.

• Start meals with vegetables to slow glucose absorption.

• Avoid added sugars and focus on fiber-rich foods like lentils, oats, and berries.

• Aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day.

Other lifestyle factors matter too:

• Lack of sleep reduces insulin sensitivity.

• Stress increases cortisol, which can raise blood sugar.

• Dehydration makes blood glucose more concentrated.

• Caffeine can affect some people’s blood sugar levels.

• Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps us use glucose more efficiently.

Chelsey even shared a one-week meal plan designed for blood sugar balance, available for purchase. It includes easy recipes, a shopping list, and practical snacks for everyday life.

Takeaway:

Understanding how food, sleep, movement, and stress affect your blood sugar gives you the tools to take control of your health. Small changes really can lead to big results.

If you missed it or want to revisit the inspiration, you can watch the full recording here: https://youtu.be/OrRy6HZPSyg