Almost half of all Americans have blood sugar concentrations that are considered too high, with those over 60 being especially at risk (1). Uncontrolled, it could mean a higher risk of metabolic syndrome and eventual chronic disease.

The reason is that too much sugar in the blood causes damage to various body systems. Especially concerning, high blood sugar stimulates production of compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGE). Because AGEs are reactive, they can directly damage important cells and tissues in the body and have long been associated with accelerated aging.

AGEs are formed inside and outside of the body causing cells to become stiff, less pliable, and subject to damage. They can affect multiple tissues and organs and have been closely linked to reduced cardiovascular and brain function.

To avoid the damaging effects of high blood glucose and generation of AGEs, it’s essential to both maintain a healthy body weight and to avoid excessive intake of sugar-rich foods. One way of controlling blood sugar concentrations for weight management and healthy aging is to choose foods with a low glycemic index (GI) value (2-4). This value gives the consumer a “snap-shot” of the type and amount of carbohydrates in food and how that food can affect blood sugar levels.

The glycemic index is a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 being the equivalent amount of pure glucose. A food with a low GI score will have a less severe impact on a person’s blood sugar levels. Many factors can influence GI including the quantity of fat and protein of the food, which can slow digestion of sugars. Low-glycemic foods include beans, complex carbs like oats, most vegetables, and some fruits. White bread, on the other hand, is considered high-glycemic.

A system that can help support blood sugar management is the Isagenix 30-day Cleansing and Fat Burning System™. As shown in independent clinical studies at two separate universities, subjects on the program were able to better control their blood sugar in comparison to traditional dieters.

In 2012, the University of Illinois at Chicago evaluated the effects of the Isagenix system compared to a “heart-healthy” dietary plan in obese women. Researchers found that the subjects on the Isagenix system 56 percent more weight loss, which likely supported significantly better blood glucose control—a particularly striking finding considering that the subjects had normal blood glucose levels at the beginning of the study (4). Additionally, the results suggested their bodies were better using insulin to manage the sugar received in their diets.

The Isagenix system employs IsaLean® Shakes and Bars that are formulated to be low-glycemic. These have balanced combination of dairy proteins including whey protein, good fats, low-glycemic carbohydrates including fructose (fruit sugar), and finally, a good source of fiber. Isagenix tests to ensure that these meal replacement products are indeed low-glycemic by partnering with academic testing institutions nationwide.

References

  1. Brown AF, Mangione CM, Sarkisian CA, et al. California Healthcare Foundation/American Geriatrics Society Panel on Improving Care for Elders with Diabetes. Guidelines for improving the care of the older person with diabetes mellitus. J Am Geriatr Soc, 2003;(Suppl Guidelines):S265-S280.
  2. Juanola-Falgarona M et al. Effect of the glycemic index of the diet on weight loss, modulation of satiety, inflammation, and other metabolic risk factors: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 100:27-35, 2014.
  3. Kahlhofer J et al. Carbohydrate intake and glycemic index affect substrate oxidation during a controlled weight cycle in healthy men. Eur J Clin Nutr 68:1060-6, 2014.
  4. Lagerpusch M et al. Carbohydrate quality and quantity affect glucose and lipid metabolism during weight regain in healthy men. J Nutr 143:1593-601.