UP, DOWN: 5 REASONS FOR YOUR BLOOD SUGAR SWINGS
SUGAR-FREE FOODS
It is possible for a person maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating the right foods, yet have an occasional spike of the blood sugar. If this happens to you, you must be wondering why. We have jotted down five possible reasons for your blood sugar swing. Drink your medicine for diabetes if you would like to avoid any of these problems or complications.
SUGAR-FREE FOODS
As
a diabetic, your mind’s tendency is to seek for labels claiming to be
“sugar free” in the grocery store in the belief that these are actually
better for your body. Correction: they are not. These sorts of foods are
actually doing more damage to your body than the regular versions.
Research shows that these so-called sugar free foods are
actually laden with starch, fats and sometimes fiber. Take note of
sugar alcohols xylitol and sorbitol as these can contain a sufficient
amount of carbs to spike your blood sugar readings. Consuming food high
in carbs can, sooner or later, lead to internal problems.
Caffeine
Oh sweet caffeine! Most adults cannot survive a day without their cuppa caffeine whether it be in the form of tea, coffee or energy drink. The unfortunate thing is caffeine affects your body’s reaction to carbohydrates big time. Drinking caffeine-saturated drinks can allow your body to burn up the sugar faster which of course, results in a high glucose reading. In one study, it was found out that drinking three to five cups of coffee increases the blood sugar by 7.5 percent. If you are to drink coffee or tea, do it without sugar and avoid energy drinks as these are laden with way too much sugar.
Dehydration
Among
the most common things that one must avoid when it comes to any illness
is dehydration. Severe dehydration can cause hallucination, fever,
palpitations and organ failure. A person can survive for a month without
food but water? Only a week at most. For diabetics, the situation is
even more dire as the lack of fluid can easily spike up your blood sugar
levels. Not having enough liquids in your system can make your sugar
more condensed. Dehydration also occurs when you have heightened blood
sugar levels. To prevent this, diabetics simply have to hydrate by
drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. For those who are bigger
or are more physically active, drink more water to comply with your
body’s needs.
Stress
We bet you are not surprised to see stress as one of the causes of your blood sugar swing. After all, stress is a mega contributor to
any of your body’s problems. This stress can come from either work,
school, home or even your daily commute. With so many stress triggers
around you these days, it is no wonder your blood sugar spikes up so
easily. Every time you are stressed, your body reacts by discharging
hormones that trigger the release of nutrients like sugar to your body
to prepare it for the push of energy it needs. This equates to a rise in
blood sugar levels for diabetics. To avoid this problem, practice
destressing techniques such as meditating or yoga. If it helps, pour out
all your stress into a hobby. Do not stress eat as this can only lead
to your blood sugar levels spiking up even more.
Illness
Achoo! You have a cold! Or maybe the flu? You do not know what you have yet but one thing is for sure: you are definitely under the weather. You may be vomiting or you have diarrhea, thus causing dehydration (see above for information relating to diabetes and dehydration). You proceed to drink medicine for your sickness such as antibiotics, cold medicine and non-steroidal antibiotics drugs. The unfortunate thing is for diabetics drinking these medicines can mean an increase in your glucose reading.
Cold meds that have pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine can affect your blood sugar levels. Do some research on the medicine you are about to take if it does have an effect on your diabetes.
For more information call us at 0925-567-5329 • 0908-865-5662 • 0917-566-1932 • 458-0717 and schedule a consultation today.
No comments:
Post a Comment