Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas. Its main job is to help move sugar (glucose) from your blood into your cells, where it can be used for energy. Without insulin, your blood sugar would stay too high and your cells would not get the fuel they need.

After you eat, your blood sugar naturally rises. Insulin acts like a key, unlocking your cells so glucose can move inside and be used for energy or stored for later. If your body does not use insulin properly, blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream, which can lead to health problems over time.

Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that your body quickly turns into glucose. It can be found naturally in foods such as fruit and milk, or it can be added to processed foods and drinks. While some natural sugar is part of a balanced diet, too much added sugar can cause imbalances in your blood sugar and overall health.

When you eat sugar, your blood sugar spikes. Your body responds by releasing insulin to bring it back down. Repeated sugar spikes can tire out your pancreas and make your cells less responsive to insulin. Over time, this can contribute to weight gain, cravings, low energy, and conditions such as prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Sugar addiction happens when your brain craves sugar the way it craves other rewarding substances. Eating sugar releases “feel good” chemicals like dopamine, making you want more. The problem is that regular overconsumption can lead to blood sugar imbalances, energy crashes, weight gain, and higher risk of chronic disease.

• Strong cravings for sweet foods or drinks

• Feeling like you need sugar to boost energy or mood

• Difficulty cutting back on sugar

• Feeling tired, irritable, or moody without it

• Eating sugar even when you are not hungry

Prediabetes often has no clear symptoms, but some people may notice:

• Increased thirst

• Frequent urination

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Slow healing of cuts or infections

Because it is often silent, regular blood sugar checks are important.

Symptoms may include:

• Excessive thirst and urination

• Constant tiredness

• Blurred vision

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

• Unexplained weight changes

• Frequent infections or slow healing

Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. It is a warning sign that your body is struggling with insulin resistance. Left unaddressed, prediabetes often leads to type 2 diabetes and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The good news is that lifestyle changes can often reverse it.

Type 2 diabetes happens when your body does not use insulin properly and blood sugar stays too high. Over time, this can damage your blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and heart. While it is a serious condition, it can often be managed or even improved with nutrition, movement, stress management, and healthy habits.

• Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. It can make you feel shaky, sweaty, weak, or confused. Severe hypoglycemia can be dangerous if not treated quickly.

• Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar. Symptoms include thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. If untreated, it can lead to serious health complications.

Type 2 diabetes cannot always be fully reversed, but many people are able to put it into remission. This means blood sugar levels return to a healthy range without the need for medication. Lifestyle changes like balanced nutrition, movement, stress reduction, and weight management play a powerful role in improving outcomes.

Managing diabetes involves keeping your blood sugar as steady as possible. This can include:

• Eating balanced meals with the right mix of protein, healthy fats, and fibre

• Staying active with regular movement

• Managing stress and sleep

• Monitoring blood sugar levels

• Following your healthcare provider’s guidance

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that happen together, increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It usually includes:

• High blood sugar

• High blood pressure

• Unhealthy cholesterol levels

• Excess abdominal fat

The good news is that lifestyle changes like eating well, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight can greatly reduce these risks.