#474: Glucose Peaks & Variability – Is Lower Better?

#474: Glucose Peaks & Variability – Is Lower Better?

Author: Danny Lennon March 13, 2023 Duration: 1:22:46

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About This Episode:

Often claims are made recommending that people should aim to keep peaks in blood glucose low in terms of both magnitude and frequency.

And while many claims about blood glucose "spikes" are incorrect or purposefully exaggerated to grab attention, there are some reasonable and interesting hypotheses put forward in relation to blood glucose variability and excursions.

For example, interesting questions have been raised in relation to the impact of blood glucose excursions in seemingly normoglycemic and/or healthy people.

In this episode, we look at three specific elements of this: average blood glucose, glucose variability, and glucose peaks. All in the context of people without prediabetes or type diabetes, who have typical blood glucose measures in the 'normal' range.

Specifically, we look at three hypothesized recommendations made elsewhere:

  1. "The lower you average blood glucose (HbA1C) is better, even if already in normal range"
  2. "The more you can minimize glucose variability, the better."
  3. "Minimizing the number of glucose "peaks" is important, even if they don't meet the threshold for hyperglycemia"

Can normoglycemic people benefit from further reducing these measures? Let's take a look…


Sigma Nutrition Radio, hosted by nutrition scientist Danny Lennon, moves beyond the noise of diet trends and simplistic advice to explore the complex, fascinating world of human nutrition. This is a space for deep, evidence-based conversations that acknowledge the nuance and often contradictory nature of scientific research. Each episode delves into a specific topic within health, fitness, or dietetics, breaking down the underlying physiology, examining the latest studies, and discussing practical implications with expert guests. The goal isn't to hand out rigid meal plans but to cultivate the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing landscape of nutritional science. You'll hear detailed analyses of how research is conducted, thoughtful debates on contentious issues, and explorations of how evidence translates-or doesn't-into real-world recommendations for different individuals. Tuning into this podcast means committing to a more sophisticated understanding of how food, movement, and metabolism interact, leaving you better equipped to make informed decisions about your own health and skepticism towards the next big headline. Danny’s approach is both rigorous and accessible, making even the most detailed biochemical pathways relevant to everyday life. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the real story behind a nutrition claim and values substance over soundbites.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 620

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