Fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels

The figure shows the fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels throughout the day.

• After meals (e.g. breakfast, dinner), blood sugar levels rise rapidly, which is indicated by the “sugar” curve.

• The body responds by releasing insulin (“insulin” curve) to allow sugar from the blood to enter the cells.

• The green bar shows the optimal, normal blood sugar range.

• If blood sugar levels fall below the normal range (this is the red area, labeled “hunger”), hunger occurs, prompting you to eat again.

The process is cyclical

After each main meal, blood sugar and insulin levels rise and then fall, and hunger appears.

Main message

A drop in blood sugar levels below the normal range is the main trigger for hunger, which determines eating cycles throughout the day.