Blood sugar control – what it is and why it matters

Understanding blood sugar control is key to better health, more consistent energy levels in everyday life, and the ability to focus at work. Blood glucose is fuel for the brain and muscles; when blood sugar levels fluctuate rapidly, concentration, mood, and performance are affected.

Nowadays more and more product managers and brands are looking at how to support stable glucose levels through holistic solutions, such as diet, lifestyle, and ingredients that have been clinically studied and contribute to maintaining blood sugar levels that stay within normal levels (not too high as in hyperglycemia and not too low as in hypoglycemia). For companies in the functional foods and dietary supplements sector, this presents an opportunity to create products that are noticeable, have measurable effects, and make a difference in consumers’ everyday lives.

For decades, Indevex has been working with NGC®, a patented ingredient developed to support balanced blood sugar response and metabolic health.

Blood sugar control as the foundation for health and energy

Stable blood glucose levels provide the body with a steady supply of energy throughout the day. This reduces the risk of energy dips, sugar cravings, and “brain fog” – and makes it easier to perform at work, school, and during exercise. Recurring spikes in blood glucose have in studies been linked to poorer glucose management in the long term, while consistent blood sugar control can contribute to better metabolic flexibility and increased well-being. Simple dietary principles have a measurable effect, such as increased intake of whole grains, protein, and fiber promoting blood sugar control. At the same time, our bodies and brains benefit from eating fewer fast carbohydrates and sweetened drinks, as starch is also broken down into sugar and quickly affects glucose levels.

When food and lifestyle work together, the results are most evident. A diet with minimal added sugar can be a first step in keeping blood glucose levels within a more stable range, while regular exercise and good sleep help the body absorb glucose more efficiently. For target groups that require extra, targeted support, it may be relevant to use foods that contain specific evidence-based ingredients.

Blood sugar control – mechanisms, challenges and solutions

Blood sugar levels are affected by the interaction between meal content, hormones, and tissue uptake. After a meal rich in carbohydrates, your blood glucose rises but is moderated as insulin is released and drives glucose into the cells. How quickly and how high blood sugar levels rise is determined by both the quality and content of the food and the individual’s physiology. For example, the same lunch can result in different glucose levels in two people, and some meals that are perceived as “healthy” can still cause a high glucose response depending on their starch and sugar content. The challenges of everyday life are well known:

• Rapid peaks followed by sharp drops can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and increased sugar cravings. Recurring fluctuations can eventually be linked to impaired glucose management.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause symptoms such as tremors, sweating, and dizziness. Avoiding sharp drops is therefore just as important as limiting peaks. Guidance on target ranges and interpretation of values is well established in healthcare.

Solutions that have proven beneficial in both clinical settings and everyday life involve a holistic approach and consistency over time.

• Protein, whole grains, and fiber slow down the rise in glucose levels. Minimizing added sugar and white flour often results in more stable blood sugar levels. For many consumers, a sugar-free diet provides a clear framework.
• Regular activity improves tissue glucose uptake.
• Sleep and stress management help hormone response and thus blood glucose levels.
• NGC® is a patented, clinically supported ingredient developed to promote healthier postprandial blood sugar levels by modulating digestion and absorption. It can be integrated into various product formats—from functional foods to dietary supplements—to support more consistent glucose levels in a wide range of users.

For brands and distributors, this means building portfolios where blood sugar control becomes a clear and verifiable attribute, with blood glucose as a measurable parameter and format-specific solutions tailored to cognitive energy, satiety, or clinical needs, for example.

The way forward

Understanding and working with blood sugar control is not only important for people’s health – it is also a growing business opportunity for brands that want to stay ahead of the curve. By developing products with documented support for stable blood glucose levels, you can meet the strong demand for solutions that combine science, natural ingredients, and consumer benefits.

Indevex’s patented ingredient NGC® offers just that opportunity. Backed by over 20 years of research, it can be integrated into a range of product categories, from functional foods and supplements to clinical nutrition and senior nutrition. For your brand or for you as a distributor, this means an opportunity to differentiate your range and meet consumer expectations for sugar-free diets and clean-label solutions, while positioning yourself as a player with products that have a clear scientific basis.

With NGC®, you can create products that not only follow trends – they drive them.

FAQ – Blood sugar control