VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Klaudia Kierzkowska, graduate of chemistry at the University of Warsaw
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases in the world. Long-term elevation of blood glucose levels is a serious he alth risk. While food is believed to be the main factor influencing blood sugar levels, blood glucose levels are also affected by other factors.
During the day, blood glucose increases and decreases. Everything depends mainly on the meals you eat. However, in people struggling with diabetes, the body loses control of blood sugar regulation, which poses a he alth risk. It is extremely important to know the basic principles and be aware of what increases blood sugar levels.
9 Non-Obvious Things That Raise Blood Sugar
Fruits
Due to the high content of simple sugars, fruit consumed by diabetics should be controlled. Those that have a high glycemic index and raise blood sugar include, for example, bananas, watermelon, grapes, melon. Particular attention should also be paid to fruit juices, jams and preserves.
Vegetables
Although vegetables contain a large amount of fiber, the consumption of which is recommended in the fight against diabetes, a certain group of vegetables raises blood sugar levels.
Vegetables with a high glycemic index are mainly:
- canned corn,
- broad beans,
- green peas,
- potatoes
- and pumpkin.
Some medications
Some drugs - used, for example, to treat hypertension - promote the development of hyperglycemia.
Drugs used in the treatment of inflammation as well as those used in the fight against runny nose also have a negative effect on blood sugar levels.
Dehydration of the body
Adequate hydration of the body is an essential part of the daily diet of people with diabetes. The consequences of improper hydration are definitely worse than in he althy people. Dehydration increases blood glucose levels, which can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, eyes and heart.
Abnormal blood sugar level causes the body to try to get rid of excessglucose, which activates the thirst center and increases renal filtration.
Frequent urination and increased thirst are two very important symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes. A small amount of dark-colored urine indicates that the body is dehydrated.
Too little sleep at night
Problems with sleep negatively affect not only our well-being, but also increase the level of sugar in the blood. In the case of long-term insomnia, the secretion of stress hormones increases, which slows down the metabolic rate.
Too little sleep disrupts the tissue sensitivity to insulin, which contributes to the development of second-degree diabetes or gestational diabetes.
Overexposure to the sun
Frequent exposure to the sun is risky for diabetics - it increases the risk of fainting or poisoning. Additionally, it can lead to dehydration, which increases blood sugar levels, as well as sunburn, which is associated with unnecessary stress.
Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline increase blood glucose levels because it is under their influence that the liver releases glucose into the body.
Not eating breakfast
People who skip breakfast are exposed to spikes in blood glucose levels that are hazardous to their he alth during the day.
In addition, it has been noticed that those who do not eat a meal in the morning have problems with maintaining a he althy weight and are more likely to struggle with excess kilograms.
Time of day
The time of day when we measure blood sugar is also important. As the day progresses, glucose levels rise, as does after a meal.
In a he althy person, 2 hours after eating, the sugar level should drop to about 150 mg / dL.
Medical history
The non-obvious things that increase blood sugar level also include illnesses such as stroke and myocardial infarction.
Stress also has an adverse effect on glucose levels.