Khaberni - Are you trying to keep your blood sugar within a healthy range?.. Avoiding blood sugar fluctuations is not always easy, as glucose levels can fluctuate for various reasons, such as dehydration or taking too much or too little medication, or consuming too many carbohydrates.
According to "Eating Well," experts in diabetes nutrition advise reviewing some daily habits that may cause glucose levels to rise.
Rebecca Jaspan, a certified nutritionist in diabetes care, points out 7 habits linked to high blood sugar levels, which are:
1. Not managing stress
Stress is inevitable, but unmanaged chronic stress can harm your health. Jaspan says, "Severe stress is one of the factors that can raise blood sugar levels. When we are stressed, the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline are released, which can raise blood sugar levels and disrupt normal insulin function.
She adds, "When stress is ongoing, it becomes chronic and can lead to health problems over time."
2. High-intensity exercises
Exercising, as a healthy habit, is extremely important for increasing insulin sensitivity, improving circulation, heart and respiratory health, and maintaining a healthy weight.
But while exercise improves blood sugar levels and may cause them to drop below normal, intense workouts can cause blood sugar levels to rise in some people.
This occurs upon adrenaline release. Adrenaline can raise blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release glucose.
3. Taking certain medications
Several types of medications can cause high blood sugar levels.
Medications such as antipsychotics, heart medications (statins for cholesterol, beta-blockers for high blood pressure, diuretics), immune suppressants, and hormone therapies are associated with changes in glucose metabolism and the occurrence of high blood sugar or diabetes.
If you have diabetes, make sure your healthcare provider is aware of all the medications you are taking.
And do not start or stop any medication without first consulting your healthcare provider.
4. Not focusing on drinking water
When you do not stay adequately hydrated, glucose concentration in your blood increases, which can lead to elevated levels.
While it is advised to drink 8 cups of non-diuretic fluids daily, it's essential to consider the climate conditions and maintain regular body hydration.
5. Consuming too many sugar-free foods
The American Diabetes Association warns diabetics to read labels carefully, as claims of "sugar-free" and "no added sugar" do not necessarily mean that the food is carb-free or has a low carb content.
Carbohydrates are major nutrients that significantly affect blood sugar levels. Thus, if you excessively consume sugar-free foods, your blood sugar could significantly increase.
And remember that "when we eat, food absorption continues for several hours. Blood sugar usually rises and falls during this period, and the absorption rate depends on the meal’s composition.
6. Neglecting sleep
It may be tempting to stay up late to watch a new exciting show or browse social media, but sleep and diabetes have a reciprocal relationship.
Lack of sleep can cause high blood sugar levels. Often, high blood sugar negatively affects sleep, especially if you find yourself needing to use the bathroom frequently at night.
7. Excessive exposure to sunlight
Frequent sun exposure can increase the chances of sunburn. Sunburns often come with pain, which can increase stress hormones, and consequently, raise blood sugar levels.
