Principle #3 for Good Glycemic Control

Principle #1 Carbohydrate tolerance

Principle #2 Exercise

Principle #3 Cortisol

Cortisol is a stress hormone.  It is known as a glucocorticoid.  As the name suggests, it has something to do with glucose (blood sugar). One of the primary functions of cortisol is to mobilize blood sugar, or increase blood sugars levels.  When you have a stress response it can result in an elevation in cortisol which can in turn increase blood sugar levels.  Cortisol can increase the rate of glucose production by as much as 6-10 times.  This can result in elevations in blood sugar. On the other hand if cortisol output is low (like in adrenal disease, or stress exhaustion states) it can promote a tendency towards low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).  Some early signs of high cortisol can be difficulty falling asleep and post meal fatigue.  While some of the most common low cortisol symptoms are fatigue (often accentuated in morning and afternoon), and waking in the night. Stay tuned for four more balancing blood sugar principles.    

Yours in health, Dr. Chris Caffery
URL:  www.functionalneuro.com
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Disclaimer:  The contents of this site are for educational purposes only.  Nothing here should be construed as medical advice.  Nothing here is a substitute for actual medical care.  Consult a qualified healthcare professional.