Highs and so what?

[Hayley Lloyd]

Okay, I know that having a high BG generally over time is bad and I know what that does to your body. I also know that low BG can be a very big problem. But what is the reason for having to keep bg levels consistent? Why is a spike after eating something 'naughty' for example such a bad thing so long as levels come down again? I just don't understand this whole diabetes thing yet and looking for clarification please.

 

[Robin]

Okay, I know that having a high BG generally over time is bad and I know what that does to your body. I also know that low BG can be a very big problem. But what is the reason for having to keep bg levels consistent? Why is a spike after eating something 'naughty' for example such a bad thing so long as levels come down again? I just don't understand this whole diabetes thing yet and looking for clarification please.

I think one reason is that whenever sugars are high, the larger molecules of glucose are having to pass through the fine capillaries of the eye, for example, or the kidneys will be struggling to excrete the excess glucose and again, the fine capillaries will suffer. High blood sugar is damaging whether it is constant, or comes in short bursts.