In some cases, the numbers don't make sense. You consumed balanced meals, had a terrific workout, and took your medication at the correct times; however, your blood sugar level readings don't match your initiatives. What offers?
Managing diabetes isn’t as simple as just eating right and exercising. Many factors impact our lower blood sugars, and we might not even know it. Here are some that may surprise you.
Sickness and illness
When you're sick, your body releases hormones that boost your blood sugars.
While you might not feel it happening in the minute, make sure to evaluate your blood sugar to understand these fads.
It's also essential to have a strategy in position with your medical professional of what to do when you're sick and how you can handle blood sugar levels while you heal.
Stress
Ever see elevated blood glucose when you're stressed? That's because tension causes your body's fight-or-flight feedback and can release hormones that cause raised blood glucose.
When you're experiencing added stressors, like a larger work or family issues, it is necessary to seek ways to ease that tension to assist your blood sugar control.
Lack of sleep
A good night's rest is necessary for us all; however, it needs to be a major priority for people with diabetes.
Sleep helps our bodies reset and manages hormones. An absence of sleep can cause consuming more food for energy, therefore causing an increase in blood glucose.
Food and medication timing
Are you timing your food and drugs correctly? Timing medication right is one fantastic method to keep your blood glucose in variety.
If you take drugs prematurely, you may experience hypoglycemia. If you take them far too late, you may see a blood sugar spike.
Staying on top of your arranged drugs is a helpful way to guarantee your blood sugars remain in variety.
Caffeine
Do you love that early morning cup of coffee? Maybe behind an early morning blood glucose spike.
While every person is distinct, if you're questioning persistent highs and have caffeine as part of your regular, take into consideration lowering your caffeine usage.
Dawn phenomenon
The dawn phenomenon takes place generally in the morning hours before the morning meal and happens when your body does not release adequate insulin to match the early-morning rise in blood sugar.
Many individuals with diabetes experience higher-than-expected fasting blood sugars due to dawn phenomenon.
If you observe a high blood sugar level in the morning, but your blood sugars after dinner and before bed were normal, it's a great concept to talk with your medical professional.
Insulin
Insulin is used in people with diabetes to lower blood sugars, but what if you took insulin and you noticed your blood sugars aren’t in the right target?
These factors affect how insulin works:
- Timing. Ideally, you want to time your insulin with your meals properly and take enough to cover your meal.
- Dosing. It’s important to inject insulin subcutaneously so your body absorbs it properly and your blood sugar doesn’t drop too low too fast.
- Expiration date. Using unexpired insulin ensures your injection has the right potency.
The takeaway
Life with diabetes is never boring. It can keep you on your toes, learning how you'll react to various therapies.
Next time your blood sugar level appears out of order, do not be dissuaded. Maintain these considerations in mind and ask yourself what adjustments can get you back on course.