Things that Commonly Trigger Blood Sugar Spikes

Rebecca Lewis October 10, 2013

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About 2.9 million people in the UK have diabetes, according to the NHS. Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes, occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to function properly or the body cells could not effectively utilise insulin (also called insulin resistance).  About 9 per cent of all British adults with diabetes suffer from type 2 diabetes.

What usually cause sugar uptakes?

Caffeine

Caffeine, which is commonly found in coffee, tea and energy drinks, can hinder blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers from Netherlands found that high coffee consumption for 4 weeks increased fasting insulin concentrations compared with coffee abstinence. According to them this indicates reduced insulin sensitivity.

Sugar-Free Foods

Many foods labelled “sugar-free” can still raise your blood sugar level. That’s because they still have plenty of carbs from starches, fat and fibre. So don’t forget to check the label before putting a food item in your shopping cart. You should also check whether the food contains artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol and xylitol as these can also trigger blood sugar swings.

Plain Carbohydrates

White rice, bread, doughnuts and bagels – they are all high in carbohydrates and calories. Certain foods can cause blood sugar spikes much higher than the others. Choose wholegrain foods instead, such as brown rice and bread, oats, barley and the like.

Severe Cold

Sugar uptakes are also likely to happen when your body works hard to fight off an illness, such as flu and cold. If you’re not feeling well, visit your GP and take proper measures. Drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and get enough rest. Also, be aware that some medicines, including antibiotics and anti-cold medications may cause havoc on your blood sugar levels. Cold medicines often contain sugar or alcohol. Ask your doctor for products that are sugar and alcohol-free.

Work Stress

Stress from work can take a huge toll on your blood sugar levels. When the body is under stress, it releases hormones that cause blood sugar spikes. This is more common in people with type 2 diabetes than those with type 1 diabetes. Whilst you can’t completely avoid stress, you can take measures to reduce its impact on your health. Among the best stress management techniques are meditation, deep breathing, exercise and yoga.

Dried Fruits

If you have problems controlling your blood sugar levels, dried fruits may not be a good snacking option for you. Whilst fruits are healthy, their dried counterparts are higher in calories and carbohydrates. What’s more, most dried fruits sold in grocery stores contain sugar and other sweeteners which add to the food’s calorie content.

Maintaining a normal blood sugar level is highly important for people with diabetes. But for some, it can be a great challenge because of factors that are beyond their control. There are diabetic individuals who still suffer from fluctuations in their day-to-day readings despite being careful on their diet and religiously taking medications.

What promotes healthy blood sugar levels?

It appears that a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and less in meat and dairy products helps stabilise blood sugar in some people. According to a study which appeared in Diabetes Care, a journal published by the American Diabetes Association, people who followed a low-fat vegan diet reduced their blood sugar levels and lost weight more than people in the standard diet. The participants also reported that the vegan diet is much easier to follow because it doesn’t involve counting calories or measuring portions.

There are also certain foods that have been shown to aid in controlling blood sugar levels. Another study published in Diabetes Care found that cinnamon improved glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Still, more research is needed to confirm this finding. Getting enough sleep and regular exercise are also essential in keeping your blood sugar levels in check.