7 Lesser Known Reasons That Cause Blood Sugar Imbalance
Blood sugar imbalance symptoms are a common phenomenon among those living with diabetes. Factors impacting the condition can include medications, dietary and physical activity choices, and skipping glucose-lowering medication. Additionally, injury, illness, stress, surgery, menopause, menstruation and many more factors can influence blood sugar levels.
Chances of diseases due to blood sugar imbalance both low and high
Blood sugar fluctuation can lead to potential diabetic complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, stroke, vision problems, and heart disease. Plus, keeping your blood sugar levels in check helps you stay energized, focused, and in a good mood.
However, that’s not it! High blood sugar or hyperglycemia can cause vomiting, nausea or shortness of breath. On the other hand, low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia can lead to confusion, blurred vision, dizziness ,unconsciousness, seizures, or even death.
7 surprising factors causing blood sugar level Imbalance.
- Dehydration
Yes! Dehydration can impact your blood sugar levels. Moreover, falling short on fluids can cause high blood sugar. This happens because the sugar in your blood gets more concentrated. To add to it, hyperglycemia can lead you to urinate more, which results in further dehydration.
Diabetic patients need to be vigilant about drinking sufficient water or intaking other calorie-free beverages to keep their bodies hydrated and healthy. If you find it hard to drink water regularly, you can garnish your glass with frozen berries, citrus wedges, mint leaves, cucumber slices and the like!
- Artificial Sweeteners
People with diabetes often turn to diet drinks as an alternative to juice, regular soda, or other caffeinated drinks. It is a common conception that sugar-free beverages don’t increase your blood sugar levels. However, a review published in 2021 revealed that artificial sweeteners might not be entirely neutral and can lead to impaired glucose homeostasis.
However, the research isn't definitive. Besides, health experts admit that typically artificial sweeteners don’t negatively impact blood sugar.
So, what’s the conclusion? According to the Mayo Clinic, people with diabetes may undergo a "rebound effect" when intaking artificial sugars. While considering sugar-free food healthy, they might end up consuming excessive amounts. Moreover, some non-caloric sweeteners can result in diarrhea, contributing to dehydration.
- Menstrual Cycles
Along with bloating, cramps, mood swings etc ,hormonal fluctuations during a person’s premenstrual time can throw a monkey into their blood sugar levels. This impact can vary from person to person. However, many people who menstruate and have diabetes, become relatively less sensitive to insulin during the week they are PMSing, leading to high sugar levels.
Suppose you realize that your sugar levels regularly run high before the week leading up to your period. In that case, you can lower the amount of carbohydrates and calorie-rich food you're intaking.
- Some Prescribed Medicines
Various prescription or over-the-counter medications can fluctuate your blood sugar levels. For instance, birth control pills, antipsychotics, anti-depressants, nasal decongestants, diuretics, steroids (helpful in treating asthma, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions) can lead to hypoglycemia. How can one avoid this? Ensure that your prescribing doctor is aware of your diabetes condition while giving you an Rx.
Blood sugar is impacted in varying ways by new medications in the different types of Diabetes. So, before taking any, consult with your pharmacist as well.
- Dawn Phenomenon
It is a common occurrence amidst people with diabetes where they wake up to a blood sugar reading very high. Even if your numbers were healthy when you tucked yourself into bed, this could happen. Why is it happening, you may wonder! That's because of the Dawn Phenomenon. It typically happens between 2 a.m and 8 a.m. Here, your body prepares for waking up and releases hormones like cortisol and others.
These hormones can make your body less susceptible to insulin and lead to a morning blood sugar levels rise.
- Insufficient Sleep
Long nights without sleep can hinder insulin sensitivity and glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. Since sleep is deemed restorative, less sleep can result in chronic stress for the body. This added stress can ultimately lead to higher blood sugar level.
- Excessive Caffeine
Yes! While caffeine often keeps people up and running, if you have type -2 diabetes, caffeine may brew trouble for you. Studies reveal that caffeine can increase blood sugar and insulin levels for people with type 2 diabetes.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, many of these factors are under your control, as monitoring what and how you eat can help keep your sugar levels in check. You can also turn to appetite management for better results. If you're looking for a healthy substitute for diet pills, you can choose Calocurb's appetite management supplement – Amarasate™.
It is a 100% plant-based supplement designed for healthy appetite management. Contact us to know more today.