The peptide hormone insulin is produced in the pancreas, enabling glucose in the blood to enter muscle, fat, and liver cells, which are utilized for energy. Glucose is derived from the food consumed. Additionally, the liver produces glucose in times of necessity, such as when fasting. When blood glucose levels, commonly known as blood sugar, rise after eating, the pancreas secretes insulin into the blood, which decreases blood glucose to maintain normal levels.
On the other hand, insulin resistance, also known as reduced insulin sensitivity, occurs when the cells cannot properly use insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. This condition may be either transient or chronic and can be cured in some circumstances. However, the pancreas may deplete insulin-producing cells over time, a frequent occurrence in type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance may cause hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, increased inflammatory markers, abnormal visceral fat deposits, hyperuricemia, CAD, and a prothrombotic state. Additionally, persistent hyperglycemia causes nerve and organ damage. Although risk variables such as family history, genetics, and age, cannot be altered, dietary, physical activity, and weight-related lifestyle risk factors may be modified. These modifications in the individual’s lifestyle may reduce the likelihood of developing insulin resistance or prediabetes.
Sleep
As part of the normal human circadian rhythm, blood sugar levels rise every night, regardless of the amount of sleep. Therefore, fluctuations in blood sugar that occur overnight and during sleep are typical and pose no danger to most healthy individuals.
Sleep is also crucial for maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels. In addition to lowering dangerous blood sugar levels, restorative sleep may encourage healthy systems. Blood sugar levels are connected with reduced sleep duration. Even a night of sleep deprivation increases insulin resistance, which may lead to a rise in blood glucose levels.
Cortisol is elevated by lack of sleep and raises glucose levels. Furthermore, the time of day a person sleeps affects insulin and cortisol levels. Glucose rises during sleep are accompanied by increases in growth hormone. C-reactive protein, oxidative damage, and inflammation are exacerbated by sleep loss and affect glucose levels. Also, sleep loss increases inflammatory markers, including TNF-alpha, which may promote insulin resistance.
The average amount of nighttime hours has declined over the previous decades and is linked to the concurrent rise in obesity and diabetes. A comparative study between four hours and eight hours of sleep showed that good sleep helps manage insulin sensitivity and management of blood sugar.
