Your body has the answers – here’s how to listen

Given every human being is totally unique, it’s no surprise our bodies often behave in different ways.

So, while you should always follow the fundamentals of healthy living – like exercising and eating a balanced diet – sometimes it pays to take a more personalised approach. Your glucose levels can be an important indicator of what’s happening inside your body and can impact how you’re feeling.

Glucose is a molecule that circulates in your body and provides your cells with energy. As a result, it plays a key role in metabolism – the complex series of chemical reactions and processes that keep your body functioning.

But the amount of glucose in circulation isn’t static: it constantly changes based on the food and drink you consume as well as the exercise or activities you carry out. Even the stress you feel can influence your glucose levels.

Glucose is an important fuel for the body, powering key functions, from the working of vital organs like the heart and brain to the movement of your muscles. When needed, the liver and kidneys can make glucose to fuel the body. It is also obtained when your body breaks down the carbohydrates contained in food and drink. So, when you consume carbohydrates, your glucose levels naturally rise.

However, ‘simple’ carbohydrates like table sugar are converted into glucose faster than ‘complex’ ones, such as vegetables and wholegrains. This means your glucose levels increase much faster if you eat a bag of sweets or a slice of cake with sugary icing compared to a heartier alternative, like a slice of wholegrain toast with a savoury spread.

Pairing carbs with protein and healthy fats, like avocado or olive oil, can also slow down the rate carbohydrates are processed into glucose, slowing down the rise of glucose within the body.

Understanding how and why your glucose levels change provides a window into what’s going on in your body. But everyone’s glucose response to certain foods or activities is different, so a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t the answer.

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a wearable biosensor that tracks your glucose levels 24 hours a day.

And because glucose spikes followed by dips are linked to hunger and excess intake, keeping your glucose levels steady could lead to fewer food cravings³.

Sleep and glucose influence one another. Higher and more fluctuating glucose levels is linked to fewer hours of sleep⁴. Going to bed late and spending more time awake in bed might result in bigger glucose spikes at breakfast the next day.⁵

How to keep your glucose levels steady

Knowing what causes your glucose to spike means you can start to build healthier habits. For example, if you find that a particular food causes your glucose to rise especially quickly, you may choose to eat less of it, pair it with protein and healthy fats, or take some light exercise after consuming it.

Eating sugary foods in moderation is always a good idea to help keep your glucose levels stable, as is staying within the recommended limits for alcohol – which can be carb heavy and can disrupt your sleep.

Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day can help regulate your glucose levels. To incorporate more exercise into your day, try to put yourself in situations where you need to move around – such as by getting off the bus one stop early and walking the rest of the way to your destination.

The biosensor tracks glucose and the app provides personal insights and coaching, helping you pursue better sleep, mood, focus and energy.​ Rooted in decades of research, Lingo by Abbott is science-backed system offering a new view of your metabolic health — and a plan for how to improve it.

Over 10 years ago, Abbott introduced FreeStyle Libre — a continuous glucose monitor now used by 6 million people worldwide. Lingo is made by Abbott, built on that proven technology.