10 Things That Can Cause Blood Sugar to Rise

Basically, high blood sugar levels are not always associated with increased intake of sweets. Rising blood sugar can also be caused by other things. Therefore, knowing what can cause an increase in blood sugar is something important, especially for diabetics.

Factors Causing Blood Sugar Increase

If not treated properly, high blood sugar can cause complications, such as kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems, stroke, and heart disease.

Knowing the factors that cause fluctuations in blood sugar can help predict changes in the body’s blood sugar.

Here are several factors that can cause blood sugar to rise, including:

1. Dehydration

Lack of fluids in the body can cause hyperglycemia, because the concentration of sugar in the blood will be higher. In addition, high blood sugar can also cause you to urinate more frequently. This leads to more severe dehydration.

People with diabetes need to pay attention to their daily water intake so that the body gets good hydration and stays healthy.

Everyone’s fluid needs can be different depending on daily activities and body mass. If you have trouble drinking unflavored mineral water, try adding lemon or orange slices, sliced ​​cucumbers, or fresh mint leaves.

2. Consumption of Artificial Sweeteners

Many people with diabetes choose soda or diet drinks (diet coke) as a substitute for other soft drinks. Diet coke use artificial sweeteners, so that it is included in sugar-free drinks and is considered not to cause an increase in blood sugar.

Consumption of artificial sweeteners in the short term will not cause an increase in blood sugar.

However, regular consumption can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut. This can cause cells to become resistant to insulin, resulting in an increase in blood sugar and insulin levels.

A 2014 study stated that mice fed artificial sweeteners for 11 weeks showed an adverse effect on gut bacteria and caused an increase in blood sugar.

Therefore, it is better to consume mineral water as a substitute for soft drinks and packaged juices.

Also Read: Recognize a Healthy Diet for Diabetics

3. Drugs

Unexpectedly, some drugs can have the effect of increasing blood sugar, including some common drugs.

Some prescription drugs that can increase blood sugar include:

• Steroids (corticosteroids): Generally given to treat diseases caused by inflammation, such as allergies, lupus, and rheumatism.
• Antidepressants: Medicines that can treat anxiety, ADHD, depression, and other mental problems.
• Beta blockers: usually used to treat high blood pressure
• Statins: These drugs are used to lower cholesterol
• Asthma medicine
• Isotretinoin: a drug to treat acne
• Contraceptive Pills (birth control pills)

Some over-the-counter drugs that can increase blood sugar include:

• Pseudoephedrine: a drug that can treat coughs and colds
• Cough medicine
• Naicain: A type of vitamin in the group of B vitamins

You need to consult with your doctor before deciding to take a new drug that has never been taken before. In addition, don’t forget to always tell all the medicines you are taking, whether for diabetes or other conditions.

4. Dawn Phenomenon

The dawn phenomenon is a condition in which you wake up with high blood sugar even though your blood sugar is within the normal range during sleep.

This condition occurs when the body releases the hormones cortisol and growth hormone between 2 and 8 in the morning. This hormone will give a signal to the lier to increase glucose production, to prepare energy and make the body wake up.

This will make the beta cells in the pancreas to secrete insulin so that blood sugar in the body remains normal.

However, in diabetics, the body does not produce enough insulin, resulting in spikes in blood sugar in diabetics.

To overcome this, you can consume snacks high protein but low carb before bed. Snacks This is consumed in small portions with the aim of narrowing the fasting time.

5. Menstrual Cycle

Hormonal changes in the premenstrual phase can cause an increase in blood sugar.

Women with diabetes can become less sensitive to insulin during the week before menstruation, so that blood sugar will experience an increase above normal limits. This blood sugar level will return to normal when menstruation occurs.

To overcome this, you should reduce your intake of carbohydrates during the pre-menstrual period and add exercise.

6. Lack of sleep

Lack of sleep at night can ruin your mood and energy all day. In addition, lack of sleep can also cause problems with blood sugar.

Lack of sleep can hinder glucose and insulin control in people with type 2 diabetes. When the body does not get enough sleep, this condition causes chronic stress on the body and blood sugar will increase.

You need a consistent bedtime routine, where you wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day. Try to sleep 7 to 9 hours a day.

7. Lack of exercise

Muscle will absorb 70 percent of glucose in the blood. Exercise will make the muscles move more, so that more glucose is converted into energy. This will lower blood sugar.

A study states that participants who do not actively exercise experience insulin resistance. In addition, exercise can also reduce obesity and reduce diabetes.

However, if you have diabetes, you should only do moderate intensity exercise and avoid high intensity. Sports that should be avoided include; lifting weights, running marathons, and other competitive sports.

The reason is, exercise that is too intense will cause the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline. This hormone increases blood sugar by stimulating the liver to produce glucose.

8. Stress

When you are under stress, the body releases the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. This is part of the response fight or flight.

In this condition, the body will produce more glucose. In diabetics, insulin is not able to spread glucose throughout the cells so that it builds up in the blood.

You need to find ways to manage stress because actually stress is a part of life and cannot be avoided. You could try meditation, yoga, or keeping a daily journal.

Also Read: Children Often Peeing Beds is a Symptom of Diabetes, Really?

9. No Tooth Brushing and Flossing

People with diabetes will have a higher risk of developing gum disease known as gingivitis. Serious gum disease will make blood sugar more difficult to control.

As with all infections, this will cause glucose to rise. This will make it easier for other infections to occur. When the gums are swollen and infected, the body will build a defense system. This condition will make insulin and blood sugar difficult to control.

Therefore, to maintain healthy gums and mouth, you need to be diligent in brushing your teeth and flossing. Not only that, you are also advised to use mouthwash regularly.

10. Excessive Caffeine Consumption

Caffeine can increase blood sugar and insulin in people with diabetes.

A study was conducted involving people with type 2 diabetes. In this study, participants were asked to consume 250 mg of caffeine pills at breakfast and lunch.

As a result, the blood sugar of participants who consumed caffeine was 8% higher when compared to participants who did not consume caffeine.

Caffeine can increase stress hormones in the body, which results in reduced absorption of sugar by body cells and decreased insulin production.

Now,, those are several factors that can cause blood sugar to rise. Hopefully this information is useful, Healthy Friends.

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