Is Blood Sugar Quietly Sabotaging Your Energy?

When we think about blood sugar, most people jump to diabetes. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be diabetic to have a blood sugar problem — and it might be the hidden reason behind your daily fatigue, poor sleep, intense cravings, stubborn belly fat, and even increased risk of cancer.

At Howlett Integrative Care, I see this all the time. Women and men who are doing “everything right” — eating clean, exercising, trying to sleep — but still feel off. And often, the root cause is metabolic dysfunction that’s been building silently for years.

Here’s the good news: small, targeted changes can make a big difference. These three shifts support balanced blood sugar, steady energy, and deeper sleep:

✅ No food 2–3 hours before bed. 

Giving your body time to digest before sleep improves blood sugar control and supports melatonin production.

✅ 12–14 hour overnight fast 

This gentle intermittent fast gives your metabolism a reset and lowers insulin naturally.

✅ Start your day with protein (30g+) 

Protein in the first meal of the day keeps your blood sugar stable and curbs cravings all day long. (Yes, breakfast still matters.)

🧪 LAB INSIGHT: What’s Fasting Insulin Telling You?

Most doctors check glucose and hemoglobin A1c. But these markers can stay “normal” for years while your metabolism is already under stress.

That’s why I always check fasting insulin — it’s one of the earliest markers to show trouble.

• High insulin can mean your body is working overtime to keep blood sugar in check.

• Over time, this leads to insulin resistance, weight gain, energy crashes, and increased inflammation.

🎯 Optimal fasting insulin: 2–5 μIU/mL (Anything over 6 should prompt action.)

This simple test helps me guide lifestyle changes, nutrition strategies, and targeted supplements to get your metabolism back on track.

🥚 QUICK TIP: Prioritize Protein

Starting your day with protein is a game-changer. It helps:

• Stabilize blood sugar

• Support lean muscle

• Keep cravings in check

• Improve mood and mental clarity

  
  

💡 Aim for 30g at the first meal of the day. 

Try: 

• 3-4 pasture-raised eggs with veggies and avocado 

• Leftover steak or salmon from dinner, tossed with greens

💬 MYTH BUST: "If I’m Thin, I Don’t Need to Worry About My Metabolism."

Wrong.

Many women with a “normal” BMI are shocked to learn they have:

• Fatty liver

• Elevated insulin

• Systemic inflammation

Why? Because metabolic health isn’t about weight — it’s about function. You can be thin and unhealthy, just as you can be curvy and metabolically fit.

👉 If you’re tired, inflamed, moody, or struggling with sleep or cravings, your metabolism deserves a closer look.

Ready to feel like yourself again? 

At Howlett Integrative Care, we use simple labs and personalized strategies to help you restore energy, reduce cancer risk, and thrive long-term.

Schedule a Discovery Call Today