If you have diabetes, it is important to know that the food you eat can have a direct impact on your blood sugar levels. Whether you have diabetes or just concerned about maintaining steady blood sugar levels, it is important to pay attention to what you eat. Moreover, it’s important to be aware of some unexpected factors that can increase the blood sugar level.
The things that increase the blood sugar level
White bread
White bread is made from refined-flour which the body turns quickly into sugar and causes rapid blood sugar fluctuations.
Sweetened beverages
Carbohydrates in energy drinks, soft drinks, fruit juices, and sweetened coffees are rapidly processed by your body and can quickly make your blood sugar levels shoot up. Avoid sweetened beverages at all times to optimize blood sugar control, especially if your blood sugar levels are already high.
Coffee
Your blood sugar may rise after a cup of coffee due to the presence of caffeine. The same goes for black tea or green tea. Although caffeine affects different people differently, if you are diabetic you must limit your caffeine intake.
Red meat
Red meat and processed meat like bacon and ham are all high in saturated fats that may raise your blood sugar levels. Moreover, too much protein can also raise your insulin levels.
Illness
When you’re sick or you have an infection, there’s a drawback for people with diabetes and the blood sugar levels can soar. It’s important to stay well hydrated and to be even more careful than usual about what you eat. It’s sometimes necessary to call a doctor in order to increase diabetes medication. Be sure to get your health care provider’s advice on how often to measure your blood sugar and which medications to take.
Smoking cigarettes
Obviously, a smoking habit isn’t healthy for anyone, but cigarettes are particularly dangerous for people with diabetes. It increases blood sugar levels. These high blood sugar levels increase the risk of serious diabetes complications, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
Lack of sleep
Poor sleep can lead to increased blood sugar levels and the risk of diabetic issues. If you sleep less, blood sugar increases, escalating the issue. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that people who slept less than 6 hours a night had more blood sugar complications compared to those who received 8 hours of sleep.
Stress
Stress, which can be physical or mental, definitely raises blood sugar levels. It increases cortisol. When cortisol goes up, it makes us less sensitive either to our body’s own insulin or to insulin injections. Even positive changes to your daily routine can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.
