Introduction
You’ve been eating right, exercising, and taking your diabetes medication as prescribed, and yet your last blood glucose reading was abnormally high? In this blog, we will be discussing the day-to-day factors that may increase your blood sugar level without your knowledge. If you’re living with diabetes, your doctor has probably told you time and time again that maintaining control over your blood sugar is essential.
Controlling blood sugar is important for two main reasons-
1. On a day-to-day basis, people just feel better when their blood sugar stays in a healthy range.
2. Over the long term, it’s the best thing you can do to prevent complications of diabetes from occurring.
Do you know one of the main and most frequently discussed contributors to high blood sugar is a diet too rich in carbohydrates, which, once digested, turn into sugar (glucose). Certain high-carb foods (for example, white bread, white-flour pasta, sugary drinks, and french fries) are among the most common foods that spike blood sugar. There are certain factors that can cause high blood sugar, which is beyond your control or can catch you off-guard. These triggers can pose a challenge to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, even when you believe you're following all the right steps. And one cannot ignore diabetes complications including nerve damage, kidney disease, skin conditions, eye damage, heart disease, and stroke.
Here are some of the factors that may spike your blood sugar level-
1. Skipping Breakfast Can Lead to Higher Blood Sugar All Day-
In the morning, our bodies often experience a natural rise in blood sugar levels known as the "dawn phenomenon." This occurs because of hormonal changes that prepare the body to wake up and start the day. When you skip breakfast, you miss an opportunity to help regulate and stabilize your blood sugar levels through food intake. Eating breakfast typically provides the body with a source of glucose (sugar) to maintain energy levels and help regulate blood sugar. When you skip this meal, your body may struggle to maintain stable glucose levels, which can lead to fluctuations and potentially result in higher blood sugar levels.
2. Lack of Sleep Can Increase Stress and Lower Insulin, Raising Blood Sugar-
Not enough shut-eye can lead to spikes in blood sugar. Current sleep recommendations for people with diabetes are the same for all adults: Aim for seven to nine hours per night for adults and seven to eight hours for adults 65 and older. Sleep deprivation triggers a release of the stress hormone cortisol while also reducing the amount of insulin released when you eat. Poor sleep also elevates hunger hormones in the body, making it harder to follow a healthy diet.
3. Lack of Fiber-
Fiber plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar levels. Without an adequate intake of fiber, there is a risk of rapid spikes in blood glucose after meals, making it difficult for diabetic individuals to manage their condition effectively. Therefore it is advised to have fiber-rich food for people with diabetes. Soluble fiber, found in foods like oats, fruits, and legumes, slows down the absorption of glucose, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels after meals. Additionally, a high-fiber diet improves insulin sensitivity, making the body's insulin more effective in regulating blood sugar. Moreover, fiber-rich foods contribute to a feeling of fullness, preventing overeating and supporting weight management, which is especially important for people with diabetes.
4. Stress Increases Cortisol, Which Affects Insulin Sensitivity-
You’re overextended at work, there’s a family crisis, and suddenly your blood sugar level is through the roof. Sound familiar? “Stress definitely raises blood sugar levels, It increases cortisol, our fight-or-flight hormone. When cortisol goes up, it makes us less sensitive either to our body’s own insulin or to insulin injections. Stress can be physical like sustaining an injury, or mental, such as facing financial woes or marriage problems. Even positive changes to your daily routine like a promotion at work or going on vacation can cause a sudden increase in blood sugar
5. Physical Inactivity Can Elevate Blood Sugar in a Matter of Days-
Exercise is important in managing diabetes. In addition to helping you maintain a healthy weight or lose weight, as well as lowering your risk of stroke and heart disease, physical activity increases the body’s insulin sensitivity and helps your cells remove glucose from the blood and use it for energy.