How does skipping meals affect blood sugar levels?

When meals are skipped, the body may experience a decrease in blood sugar levels due to a lack of glucose intake from food. Eating helps maintain stable blood sugar levels by providing carbohydrates, which are broken down into glucose. When you skip meals, the energy supply diminishes, particularly for individuals who manage conditions like diabetes or those who rely on consistent carbohydrate intake to keep their blood sugar levels stable.

During the fasting period from skipping a meal, especially if it is prolonged, the body initially uses glycogen stores for energy. Once these stores are depleted, the absence of food can lead to a dip in blood glucose levels, potentially resulting in symptoms associated with low blood sugar, such as dizziness, weakness, and irritability. This mechanism explains why skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar levels rather than a stable or elevated state.