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The sugar in sweets is not the only factor that raises blood sugar too high. There are many reasons for blood sugar instability, ranging from common foods, certain medications and lifestyle habits. Here are 20 reasons why blood sugar changes that you need to pay attention to.
1. Caffeine
Your blood sugar can rise after drinking coffee, even black coffee contains no calories. The same goes for black tea, green tea, and energy drinks, which are all caffeinated beverages. Every person with diabetes reacts to foods and drinks differently, so it's best to monitor your own reactions. However, other compounds in coffee have the ability to prevent type 2 diabetes in healthy people.
2. Sugar-free foods
Many sugar-free foods will raise your blood sugar because they can contain a lot of carbs from starch. Don't forget to check the total carbohydrate on the outside of the Nutrition Facts label before consuming. You also need to watch out for artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol. Although there is less sweetness to carbs than regular table sugar (sucrose), these are still enough to raise your blood glucose levels.
3. Complex processed salty dishes, rich in fat
When eating a plate of braised beef or sweet and sour chicken with white rice, your blood sugar will stay high for a longer time. Blood glucose levels also increase long-term when eating pizza, chips, and other delicious foods high in carbs and fat. Check your blood sugar about 2 hours after you eat to see how foods affect your body.
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4. Got a cold
Your blood sugar will rise as the body has to fight disease. If you have a cold, drink plenty of fluids and take other fluids to stay hydrated. See your doctor if you have diarrhea or vomiting for more than 2 hours or if you are sick for 2 days without improvement. Note that some medications, such as antibiotics and decongestants, can clear the sinuses, but also destabilize blood sugar.
5. Work stress
When you are stressed, overwhelmed or dissatisfied at work, the body will secrete hormones that raise blood sugar too high. This condition is more common for people with type 2 diabetes. The advice is to practice relaxation with deep breathing and exercise. Also, if possible, try to change the triggers that are causing you stress.
6. Bagels
Bagel contains more carbohydrates and calories than a slice of white bread. So, if you're craving bread, choose a small slice of bread or better, a whole-wheat bread to stabilize your blood sugar.
7. Sports drinks
These drinks help you rehydrate quickly, but some are high in sugar. Therefore, only filtered water should be chosen to replenish fluids for a moderate exercise - sports session of less than an hour. Sports drinks will be suitable when you have to exercise longer, more intense. Don't forget to consult your doctor first to see if the calories, carbs, and minerals in a water bottle are safe for you.
8. Dried fruit
Fruit is a healthy choice, but be aware that a small serving of dried fruit will contain quite a bit of carbohydrates. Just 2 tablespoons of raisins or dried cherries have the same amount of carbs as a small piece of fruit.
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9. Steroids and diuretics
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are used to treat rashes, arthritis, asthma, and many other conditions. However, these drugs can raise your blood sugar and even cause diabetes. Diuretics that help treat high blood pressure have a similar side effect. Some antidepressants also change blood glucose levels.
10. Cold medicine
Decongestants containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine may increase blood sugar. Cold medicines sometimes also contain a little sugar or alcohol, so choose products that don't have these ingredients. Antihistamines rarely affect blood glucose levels. Ask your pharmacist about the potential effects of over-the-counter medications before you buy them.
11. Birth control pills
Birth control pills that contain estrogen can affect how the body processes insulin. But overall, birth control pills are safe for women with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends taking a pill that combines norgestimate with a synthetic estrogen. Birth control shots and implants are still safe for women with this condition, although they can also affect blood sugar levels.
12. Housework
Cleaning the house or yard will help the sick people stabilize blood sugar. Many of the household chores you do every day are considered moderate-intensity physical activity, with many health benefits. Take advantage of walking around the market or supermarket to consider as a little exercise.
13. Yogurt
Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria or probiotics, which improve digestion and help you control blood sugar. Some yogurts have added sugar and fruit, so pay attention to your carbs. The best choice for people with diabetes is plain yogurt or unsweetened yogurt.
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14. Vegan Diet
Research shows that people with type 2 diabetes who switch to a vegan diet have better blood sugar control and need less insulin. Increasing fiber from whole grains and beans can slow the digestion of carbs. However, scientists need more research before they can confirm whether a vegetarian diet really helps with diabetes. Consult with your doctor before deciding to make major dietary changes.
15. Cinnamon
Adding a bit of cinnamon spice to dishes enhances flavor without using too much salt, starch or calories. Some research shows that cinnamon also has the ability to help the body use insulin better and lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Scientists are still doing more research to know for sure. Cinnamon benefits, as well as possible side effects if taken in large doses. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor before trying cinnamon.
16. Sleep
Blood sugar levels can drop suddenly for some people with diabetes, especially if they are on insulin treatment. It's best to check your blood sugar before you go to bed and when you wake up. A bedtime snack can help stabilize blood sugar in this case. For some people, blood sugar can rise in the morning - even before breakfast, due to hormone changes or a drop in insulin. Therefore, it is very important to regularly monitor blood sugar to understand your body.
17. Exercise
Physical activity is a great health booster for everyone. People with diabetes should tailor their exercise schedule to their individual needs. When you exercise moderately but long enough that you sweat and raise your heart rate, your blood sugar can spike, then drop. Intense exercise can cause your blood sugar to drop for several hours afterward. It's a good idea to have a snack before you start exercising. Don't forget to check your blood glucose before, during, and after you exercise.
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18. Wine
Alcoholic drinks are high in carbs, so your blood sugar will rise initially. A few hours after taking it, the blood sugar level may drop. If you drink alcohol, it's best to drink it with meals and don't forget to check your blood sugar. The American Diabetes Association advises women to have no more than 1 drink per day and men to have 2 drinks per day. One glass is equivalent to 150ml of wine, 350ml of beer or 35ml of spirits such as vodka or whiskey.
19. Heat
It is safer to be in an air-conditioned home than it is outside in the heat because heat makes your blood sugar more difficult to control. You should check your blood sugar regularly and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. High temperatures can also affect your medication, glucose meter, and test strips. So don't leave these tools in a hot car.
20. Female hormones
When a woman's hormones change, blood sugar levels are also unstable. Record your blood sugar levels each day of the month to get a better idea of how your menstrual cycle affects blood sugar. Hormonal changes during menopause can destabilize blood sugar. You can consult your doctor about hormone replacement therapy.
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Reference source: webmd.com
