REASONS WHY BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS FLUCTUATE
Blood glucose can fluctuate for many reasons. For those living with diabetes, it’s important to understand why.
Here is a list of common factors that can cause those spikes.
Read on to find out how to avoid extreme fluctuations and stay in control.
FOOD
Diet is often the first thing that comes to mind when we think of changes in blood glucose levels. While sweet foods like cakes and candies may be the first thought that pops into your head, there are numerous contributing factors when it comes to food spikes. Reading food labels can help.
When looking at nutrition labels, it’s important to look at the total carbohydrates listed. They all count and are broken down into the three main types of carbohydrates which are sugar, starch and fiber. Total sugars include added sugars. Total carbohydrates often join forces within many of our favorite foods to create those dramatic fluctuations and should be monitored closely.
Other food culprits that can cause blood sugar spikes are caffeine and alcohol. Drinking too much of either can create issues and cause levels to rise. Not drinking enough water is another contributing factor so reducing intake of these food items and increasing water intake each day can help to avoid extreme highs and lows.
EXERCISE
Exercise can be tricky when it comes to diabetes. A lack of exercise can cause blood sugar spikes while too much physical activity can also cause fluctuations. Moderation is key. The point is to keep moving whether it be a walk or a bike ride. Lack of exercise can also cause increases in weight which can be dangerous and also cause blood sugar spikes.
“For people with diabetes, the benefits of exercise can't be overstated. Exercise helps control weight, lower blood pressure, lower harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, raise healthy HDL cholesterol, strengthen muscles and bones, reduce anxiety, and improves general well-being. There are added benefits for people with diabetes: exercise lowers blood glucose levels and boosts the body's sensitivity to insulin, countering insulin resistance and has been linked to lowering HbA1C values in people with diabetes.”1
STRESS
When the body encounters a stressful situation, the primary stress hormone, Cortisol, is released and can actually cause glucose levels in the bloodstream to rise. Our bodies naturally know when the stress or danger is over and begins a calming process. The heart rate begins to slow, blood pressure decreases, hormone levels and blood glucose levels return to normal.
For the average person, a spike in blood glucose due to a stress response is expected and normal. For someone living with diabetes, a sustained increase in blood sugar due to a stress response is serious. Finding ways to keep stress levels down, like meditation, reading or yoga is essential.
WEATHER
This one may sound odd, but the extreme summer heat and freezing winter temperatures can stress the body. This stress produces cortisol and can cause a vicious cycle in blood sugar level fluctuations. Extreme temperature changes can also cause dehydration which wreaks havoc on our systems. It’s important to take note of changes in weather, dress appropriately and stay inside whenever possible on the hottest and coldest days of the year.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
Anything that disrupts our patterns can affect blood glucose levels. Traveling to a different time zone can affect eating and sleeping patterns which can interfere with routine. Schedule changes can also interfere with the timing of medications that may be used to control diabetes. Any combination of changes can throw us off balance and make it difficult to control blood glucose fluctuations and manage diabetes.
SLEEP
The amount of sleep needed varies depending on age, health, stress levels, social life, line of work and a host of other factors. Most studies, however, report that “the average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.”2 You may need more or less than this so it’s important to listen to your body and create the schedule that is right for you. Not getting enough sleep can weaken your immune system, alter blood sugar levels and affect concentration, focus and memory. Getting enough shut eye is key in managing diabetes and controlling blood sugar levels.
ILLNESS
When sick, the body is working harder to fight the infection. The body is also stressed and produces higher levels of cortisol to fight off the stress of the infection. All are contributing factors to spikes in blood glucose levels. It’s important to get rest, drink fluids to avoid dehydration and eat healthy while battling any illness.
HOW CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORS AND QUEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS CAN HELP
Sometimes dealing with diabetes and controlling all the factors that cause blood sugar fluctuations can seem pretty overwhelming. That is where a Continuous Glucose Monitor can help. It serves as a guide to monitor the extreme highs and lows and gives a warning when things get out of control. CGMs, like the FreeStyle Libre, also track patterns to help us identify when changes in diet, exercise or schedule might be too much for the body to handle. A Continuous Glucose Monitoring System helps to identify patterns and keep things under control.
At Quest Health Solutions, we know its not easy and there are many opposing forces that make controlling blood glucose fluctuations seem impossible. But, it’s not and we are here to help. We are committed to helping patients, healthcare providers and diabetes educators find the solution that is right for them, and we vow to be a valued resource when it comes to diabetes management and education. To learn more about how Continuous Glucose Monitors can be used to control blood glucose fluctuations, contact us at 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011, email [email protected] or schedule an appointment today.
- Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School (2020) accessed on 18 June 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-exercise-when-you-have-diabetes
- (2019) Mayo Clinic. How Many Hours of Sleep are Enough for Good Health? Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/how-many-hours-of-sleep-are-enough/faq-20057898 accessed on 18 June April 2021.