Understand the Often Overlooked Causes of High Blood Sugar, Diabetes Patients Need to Know!

Pay attention to your intake of saturated fats can increase insulin resistance, where insulin doesn’t work properly to carry glucose into cells for energy

High blood sugar that goes unnoticed, also known as asymptomatic hyperglycemia, occurs when glucose levels in the blood are elevated, but a person doesn't experience the typical symptoms associated with diabetes or high blood sugar.

Some people may be unaware they have high blood sugar until they undergo a health check-up or routine blood tests.  According to Everyday Health, a diet high in carbohydrates is often discussed as a common cause of high blood sugar.  However, there are other factors that may be mistakenly perceived or are beyond your control.  To understand these better, Tribunhealth.com has summarized several causes of high blood sugar that are frequently experienced.

Referring to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, high blood sugar or hyperglycemia is measured at levels of 100-125 mg/dL (prediabetes) and more than 126 mg/dL (diabetes).  Normal blood sugar levels are measured at 70-100 mg/dL.

Quoting from Everyday Health and Eating Well, here are some often overlooked causes of high blood sugar:

1. Consumption of foods high in saturated fat: In addition to carbohydrates, you should also pay attention to your intake of saturated fats. These can increase insulin resistance, where insulin doesn’t work properly to carry glucose into cells for energy. Over time, insulin resistance can raise the risk of heart disease. Consider healthier fats like those found in oily fish, avocados, and nuts.

2. Hormonal changes during menstruation: The menstrual cycle can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Blood sugar may spike during ovulation and again in the final week of the menstrual cycle, just before menstruation begins. Women in perimenopause may find their blood sugar levels unpredictable.

3. Long-term use of artificial sweeteners: While marketed as a sugar substitute, long-term use of calorie-free artificial sweeteners can actually increase blood sugar levels and worsen insulin resistance, though the effects may be less severe than actual sugar.

4. Skipping breakfast: Missing the first meal of the day can impact blood sugar levels, particularly for those with type 2 diabetes. It can impair the function of pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin.

5. Stress: High stress levels, whether from work or family crises, can also elevate blood sugar by increasing cortisol, the "fight or flight" hormone. High cortisol levels can make your body less sensitive to insulin.

6. Lack of physical activity: Regular exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively, reducing blood sugar levels. Even just three days of reduced physical activity can lead to higher blood sugar levels.

7. Certain medications: Some medications, including corticosteroids, hypertension drugs, and some antidepressants, can cause blood sugar spikes. It’s important to manage these effects under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

8. Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep can lead to elevated cortisol levels and decreased insulin production, as well as an increase in hunger hormones, making it harder to maintain a healthy diet.

9. Dehydration: When your body is dehydrated, glucose concentration in the blood can become higher, leading to increased blood sugar levels.

   

   When dehydrated, glucose concentration in the blood can become higher, leading to increased blood sugar levels

10. Illness: When you're sick, your body undergoes stress, leading to the release of hormones that increase blood sugar levels. Monitoring blood sugar more closely during illness is important.

11. Unhealthy gums: Poor oral health can contribute to higher blood sugar levels, as gum disease can increase the risk of infection and inflammation throughout the body, both of which can raise blood sugar levels.

By being aware of these factors, you can better manage your blood sugar levels and avoid unexpected spikes.