Glucose serves as the main source of energy for the body. The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that transports glucose into the body's cells. Most of the body's cells require glucose for energy production, and they can only function when glucose levels in the blood remain above a certain level. The amount of glucose in the blood remains fairly stable. However, changes in blood glucose might occur from food sources, after meals or after a strenuous workout.
Carbohydrates
Foods that contain carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and a few other simple sugars in the body, reports Lab Tests Online. Carbohydrates have a bigger effect on the blood glucose levels than does protein or fat. Eating too many carbohydrates can cause blood glucose levels to rise. When this happens, the pancreas secretes insulin to lower the level. The amount of insulin released matches with the size and content of the meal. If the pancreas secretes the appropriate amount of insulin, the blood glucose levels remain steady. If the pancreas doesn't secrete enough insulin, too much glucose stays in the blood. Hyperglycemia, or an unusually high level of blood glucose, results. Hyperglycemia symptoms include thirst, blurred vision, dry skin, excessive urination and feeling weak or tired, notes Medline Plus.
After Meals
According to MayoClinic.com, blood glucose levels rise an hour or two after meals and then begin to fall. The food that's consumed gets broken down into glucose, absorbed by the small intestine and then circulated throughout the body for the cells to use as energy. Eating a larger-than-normal meal may cause extra glucose to circulate throughout the body, causing hyperglycemic symptoms. Similarly, eating a smaller-than-normal meal can result in a lower amount of glucose in the blood, causing hypoglycemic symptoms. Eating about the same amount of food at about the same time every day helps to control blood glucose levels.
Strenuous Exercise
Regular physical activity improves the body's response to insulin, reports MayoClinic.com. The muscles use glucose for energy during exercise. These factors work together to lower blood glucose levels. Strenuous exercise and even light activities can help to lower blood glucose levels. According to Lab Tests Online, strenuous exercise can sometimes cause blood glucose levels to drop too low. The pancreas secretes glucagon, a hormone that signals the liver to turn some glycogen, or stored glucose, back into the blood stream to raise the blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia, or an unusually low level of blood glucose, occurs if the pancreas secretes an insufficient amount of glucagon. Hypoglycemia symptoms include confusion, blurred vision, shortness of breath, dizziness or chest pain.
