Navigating Blood Sugar Changes after Menopause

Two years ago, I completed my menopause transition. Perimenopause can last over 10 years and bring many changes. Fortunately, I did not experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or trouble sleeping. My weight shifted and I gained a little, but overall, the transition was easy.

Recently, I had bloodwork done and was shocked to see my blood sugar levels elevated. With a family history of diabetes on my father’s side, it’s something I’ve always been mindful of, consistently making efforts to keep my blood sugar stable.

I learned that estrogen plays a significant role in keeping our cells sensitive to glucose, ensuring it’s used appropriately. As estrogen levels decline, our cells become less sensitive. This hormonal shift can also affect cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Knowing and tracking our numbers is essential. When we have accurate information, we can make informed decisions and take control of our health.

However, blood sugar management is not always as straightforward as it seems. The medical system often recommends cutting sugar when they see levels rise as they told me. But what if the root issue isn’t just too much sugar intake?

As we age and our hormones change, especially during and after menopause, women are more susceptible to blood sugar issues. The cells become less efficient at processing glucose. The question then becomes: Do we need to cut carbs entirely? I don’t believe so. The key is understanding why blood sugar is rising.

If your diet includes a lot of processed sugar, then yes, reducing sugar is essential. But what if you primarily eat whole carbohydrates like fruits and vegetables? The answer isn’t always to remove these foods. Instead, we need to assess the diet.

Questions to Consider:

• What types of foods are you eating? Are they primarily processed or whole?
• Do your meals contain artificial fats or fried foods?
• Have you gone through menopause?
• Do you smoke or have other lifestyle factors that may impact blood sugar?
• How often are you eating? 
• Are you letting your blood sugar levels decrease between meals?

When we consume processed, fried, or artificial fats, they can interfere with how our body processes glucose. Imagine insulin and glucose as a lock-and-key system. Glucose knocks on the door of your cells, and insulin is the key that opens the door to let it in. When your diet is filled with unhealthy fats, the locks may get jammed. Even though glucose is knocking, insulin can’t unlock the door, leading to rising blood sugar levels.
​
Taking a functional approach by understanding your unique body, making mindful dietary choices, and addressing lifestyle factors can make a significant difference. Knowledge is power, and tracking your numbers can empower you to make the best decisions for your health.