Other factors besides food and carbohydrates can increase the level of glucose in the blood. Illness and stress cause hormones and other chemicals to be produced which cause temporary insulin resistance and elevated blood sugars. Many counterregulatory hormones stimulate the liver to secrete extra glucose into the bloodstream.

On the other side of the scale are the agents that make blood sugar go down: physical activity, insulin, and oral diabetes medications. The key to successful blood sugar management is finding a balance between all these factors and maintaining blood sugars as close to the normal range as possible – without going too high or too low.

Hormonal Influences on Glucose Secretion

Offsetting Hepatic Glucose Output: Basal Insulin

Thus, basal insulin’s job is to offset hepatic glucose output. Without basal insulin, the liver would secrete excessive amounts of glucose, and this glucose would remain in the bloodstream, causing damage to blood vessels and key organs. The body’s cells would starve for fuel, and ketosis or ketoacidosis could develop.

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Food sources that traditionally affect blood sugar levels are carbohydrates such as sugars and starches. This includes potatoes, bread, rice, crackers and sweets. Proteins and fats do not generally affect blood sugar unless consumed in large quantities on in the absence of carbohydrates.

It is important to note that all carbohydrates, whether they be simple or complex, will ultimately be converted into glucose that enters the bloodstream.