Causes Of Elevated Blood Sugar Levels

Sugary food is not the only thing that can cause blood sugar levels to rise to unsafe levels. A diabetic patient should know what things can cause high blood sugar levels in order to avoid them if possible. If the cause cannot be avoided, diabetic patients can monitor their blood sugar levels more closely during the times they are exposed to things that can elevate blood sugar levels. Stress can affect blood sugar levels.

Food certainly affects blood glucose levels. Sugar is not the only food that should be consumed with caution. Starches can also cause spikes in blood glucose levels. A large serving of pasta or white bread could elevate a diabetic patient’s blood sugar level. One way to help reduce the spike due to starchy food is to eat starchy food with a lean protein. Adding a lean meat or beans to pasta dishes can reduce the blood glucose level measured after that meal.

Whole grain starches such as whole wheat pasta will not raise blood sugar levels as much as the refined white starch food will. Fruit juice can be a problem for a diabetic patient. Fruit juice tends to raise blood sugar levels more than a serving of fruit would. A nutritionist can give the diabetic patient some advice on avoiding food-related spikes in blood glucose levels.

A diabetic patient may have unstable blood sugar levels in times of illness. Even the cold or flu can make managing diabetes more difficult. Even if the diabetic patient is eating little to no food during the flu, the diabetic patient’s blood sugar could become dangerously high. A diabetic patient should follow the doctor’s orders on how to effectively manage blood sugar levels during times of illness.

The doctor may recommend checking the blood sugar levels more often during sickness. The doctor may also suggest that the patient avoid some of the over-the-counter medications that are used to treat cold or flu symptoms. A diabetic patient should keep the doctor informed of any medications they are taking, whether the medications are over-the-counter or prescription medication. Medications can cause unsafe blood sugar levels and react with insulin. The doctor may prescribe or recommend products that are better for diabetic patients.