What Happens to Your Blood Sugar Levels When You Fast?

SadaNews - Several factors affect blood sugar levels, including the frequency of meals. According to the "Verywell Health" website, fasting may contribute to lowering blood sugar levels, but it is advised to consult a doctor before starting a fasting regimen.

The Effect of Fasting on Blood Sugar Levels

During fasting, blood sugar levels decrease, as well as insulin levels, which stimulates the pancreas to release glucagon hormone that signals the liver to break down stored sugar (glycogen) and convert it into glucose. As fasting continues, the body shifts to burning fat for energy, producing ketones; these are chemical substances resulting from fat breakdown and are an effective energy source for the brain and muscles.

However, there are several types of fasting, and some may not be as beneficial in regulating blood sugar levels; for instance, some research indicates that intermittent fasting (eating within 8 hours and fasting for 16 hours, or eating normally for 5 days while greatly reducing calorie intake for 2 days) can improve blood sugar regulation.

The Duration of Fasting is Important

The benefits derived from fasting depend on its duration; during the first eight to twelve hours, blood sugar levels drop as glycogen, or stored sugar, is consumed as an energy source. By the time the hours between twelve to eighteen elapse, fat burning increases, ketone levels rise, and mental concentration may improve while appetite decreases due to ketone activation.

After about 24 hours, the "cell-cleaning" process begins, where autophagy becomes active, which helps reduce inflammation and enhance immune system health. As the fasting period extends to 36 or 48 hours, levels of growth hormone rise, promoting muscle repair and recovery, according to "Verywell Health".

Other Health Benefits of Fasting

Fasting deeply cleanses the body; it starts by cleansing easily accessible surface areas, burning sugar stores, then moves to deeper areas, breaking down fat and eliminating old, damaged cells.

The fasting process can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, enhance weight loss, improve mental concentration, and strengthen the immune system. Other potential benefits of fasting include cell repair and resetting metabolic processes.

Risks of Fasting

There are known risks associated with fasting, especially for people with certain metabolic disorders (metabolism is the process by which the body converts food and drink into energy).

Potential negative effects include decreased energy, disrupted eating patterns, discomfort eating with social circles, and sometimes unexpected fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Fasting is not recommended for individuals with a history of eating disorders, pregnant women, those who are very physically active, and anyone else who needs "special nutritional approaches and regular eating patterns".