A Day in the Life of Glucose — Writing Your Glucose Story

 Morning: Starting the Story

When you wake up, glucose starts moving too, getting ready to fuel your body for the day. Then breakfast comes along — and that’s when the story really starts. Some foods like processed cereal or a muffin might make glucose rise quickly, while other foods, like wholegrain toast with peanut butter or egg, are more likely to keep the rise gentle and calm. What you eat first thing in the morning sets the tone — it’s like giving your glucose story a peaceful opening scene rather than a bumpy start.

Midday: Small Moves, Big Impact

What happens next depends on things like physical activity and the food you eat.
If you sit for hours, glucose tends to hang around in the blood for longer. But when you get up — perhaps for a short walk, a few chores, or even a little dancing— your muscles are moving. Muscles use glucose for energy and bring blood glucose levels down.
Movement of any kind is important for overall health — small bursts of movement through the day can make a big difference. Even a quick walk after meals or standing up more often helps keep glucose steady and the body feeling better.

Evening: A Calm Finish to the Day

By evening, your glucose has already been through a few ups and downs. Dinner can easily tip the balance — especially if you’re tired or craving comfort food. Carbohydrates like potatoes, pasta, rice or bread are fine to enjoy, and pairing them with veggies, lean protein, or healthy fats helps keep your glucose from spiking too far above your target range.
A short walk or some light movement after dinner can also make a big difference. It helps the body use up the extra glucose instead of storing it.
Think of it as giving your day a calm ending instead of a sudden jump before bedtime.

Night: Reviewing the Day

When we finally rest, our body quietly reviews the day — every meal, every step, every moment of stress or laughter. Sometimes the glucose readings will mostly be in target; other days they’re often higher or lower than your target range. But each number tells part of the story — not good or bad, just information.
Your glucose meters and sensors aren’t judging you — they’re simply giving feedback, helping you understand what worked well and what could have worked better.

Moving Forward: The Journey Continues

Living with diabetes isn’t about getting everything right - it’s about noticing what works for you and building on it. Some days go smoothly, others not so much, and that’s completely okay. What matters is learning from each day and keeping things moving in the right direction.

A diabetes educator, dietitian and an exercise physiologist are helpful additions to your diabetes care team. They can help you understand the things that influence your glucose levels. They can also help you to set goals and action plans to make small changes that can help keep your glucose levels within your target range.

Tomorrow morning, as you pour your coffee and start your day, remember - you and your glucose are writing this story together, one day at a time.

Every sunrise brings a fresh page and another chance to look after yourself.