Elevated blood sugar is a problem familiar to many, especially those who monitor their health. But do you know that glucose can rise not only due to excessive consumption of candies and pastries?
Many patients with carbohydrate metabolism disorders perceive high blood sugar levels as a direct consequence of consuming candies or desserts (or other sweet foods). However, glucose levels in their blood can rise for various reasons, and not all of them are related to the consumption of sweets. Ekaterina Demyanovskaya, a neurologist, PhD, and associate professor of neurology, explained the circumstances under which this can occur.
Even in "Ideal" Patients
Sometimes, even strict adherence to dietary recommendations for diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance does not guarantee an improvement in glycemic profile. Often, elevated blood glucose is linked not to diet but to other lifestyle factors.
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For example, severe stress and lack of sleep trigger the production of cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones cause the body to mobilize stored glucose from the liver, resulting in increased blood sugar levels.
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Sleep disturbances also affect glycemia. There is evidence that in sleep apnea, cells become less sensitive to insulin, making it harder to utilize simple sugars.
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Another important factor is irregular meal times.
"If there are too long intervals between meals, the body starts to actively produce glucose from its own reserves, primarily from liver glycogen. This process is called gluconeogenesis, and it can raise blood glucose levels even with complete abstinence from sweets," explains the doctor.
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An excess of fast carbohydrates can also provoke an increase in blood sugar, even if they are not sweet. White bread, white rice, potatoes, pasta, and any pastries made from wheat flour are foods that quickly convert to glucose and can raise blood sugar levels as much or even more than desserts.
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"Another possible reason is low physical activity. Muscles are the main consumers of glucose. The deposition of unused energy resources leads to excess body mass and obesity, which is one of the main factors of insulin resistance," says Ekaterina Demyanovskaya.
Five More Reasons for Elevated Sugar
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Infections can trigger a spike in glucose. Any inflammatory process can increase cortisol levels, causing a temporary rise in blood glucose. As a result, during ARVI, influenza, or other infectious-inflammatory diseases, carbohydrate metabolism may be less well controlled.
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The liver regulates glucose levels, so its diseases (such as steatosis, hepatitis) can lead to impaired production and release of sugar.
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In addition to insulin, some hormones can significantly affect carbohydrate metabolism. Increased thyroid function, acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome, or polycystic ovary syndrome can maintain high glycemia.
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In some cases, the intake of medications, primarily corticosteroids, hormonal and diuretic drugs, and some antidepressants, leads to an increase in blood sugar concentration.
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Dehydration and the development of insulin resistance — a condition in which cells stop responding to the hormone insulin — also affect glucose levels. As a result, glucose cannot enter the cells in sufficient quantities and accumulates in the blood. Insulin resistance can develop or worsen during the course of diabetes.
How to Prevent Spikes
Naturally maintaining normoglycemia is a complex metabolic process influenced by many factors: sleep, stress, hormones, physical activity, liver function, and certain medications.
"If blood glucose levels rise for the first time in life and without obvious reasons, it is worth discussing this with a doctor and undergoing an examination. Early diagnosis allows for timely prevention of serious complications," summarizes the doctor.
