Day-to-Day Factors and How They Affect Blood Sugar

Knowing what affects your blood sugar levels and how to control these factors is key in diabetes management. If you have Lafayette diabetes, it can be challenging to keep your blood sugar levels within the recommended range since several things cause a change in your glucose levels. Read on to learn some factors affecting your blood sugar levels.

Food

Healthy eating benefits everyone, with or without diabetes. But if you have diabetes, you should be careful about your food choices since some affect your blood sugar levels. It is not only the type of food you eat but also the quantity and combination of food types. One of the most important aspects of many diabetes management plans is learning how to count carbohydrates. This is because carbohydrates have the biggest impact on your blood sugar levels. Write down portions of food you eat often; this will help simplify your meal planning. Measuring cups or a scale will help you ensure proper portion size and carbohydrate count.

You want to avoid sugar-sweetened beverages since they cause blood sugar to rise quickly. Additionally, they are high in calories and offer little nutrition. Avoid these drinks except if you are experiencing low blood sugar levels; sweetened beverages can effectively raise low blood sugar.

Exercise

Regular physical activity is an important part of your diabetes management plan since it encourages your muscles to use glucose for energy, preventing sugar accumulation in your bloodstream. It also makes the cells in your body more sensitive to insulin, which helps regulate your blood sugar levels. Strenuous workouts result in longer-lasting effects, but even simple activities such as gardening, housework, and being on your feet for long periods can improve blood sugar.

However, discuss with your doctor before you start any exercise program to know the types of exercises that are appropriate for you. Your healthcare provider may also recommend the best time for you to exercise to coordinate your workout with your meals and medications.

Medication

When diet and exercise are ineffective at controlling blood sugar levels, your doctor may recommend insulin and other diabetes medications. The size of the dose and timing determine the effectiveness of these medications. Medicines that treat conditions other than diabetes can also affect your glucose levels.

Ensure that you store insulin properly; it is sensitive to extreme temperatures. You also want to check its expiration date since expired medicines may not be effective. Inform your doctor if you experience any problems after taking your medication; for example, your diabetes medication may cause your blood sugar level to drop too low or remain consistently high. Your provider may need to adjust the dosage and timing in such cases.

Stress

In response to stress, your body produces hormones that may cause your blood sugar level to rise. Additionally, following your diabetes management routine can be difficult if you are overwhelmed. For this reason, you want to avoid common stressors and learn ways to control stress.

If you need help managing diabetes, book an appointment with your doctor at Moore Healthcare Group.