Common causes of high blood glucose
Food choices
Eating foods high in carbohydrates, especially refined sugars and simple carbohydrates (known as processed, high GI foods), can lead to rapid spikes in your blood glucose levels. Foods such as sugary snacks, sweetened beverages, white bread, jasmine rice, and pastries are common culprits.
fact-sheet-carbohydrate-counting.pdf (ndss.com.au)
The glycemic index fact sheet (ndss.com.au)
Not enough insulin
When you have diabetes, your body is either producing less insulin and/or your body is resistant to insulin (type 2 diabetes), or your body produces no insulin at all (type 1 diabetes). A lack of insulin can stop glucose from entering body cells properly and in time, so the glucose stays in your blood stream, and your blood glucose levels rise.
Not enough physical activity
Lack of activity can reduce your body’s ability to use glucose effectively. This can lead to higher blood glucose levels. When you move more your insulin works better.
Stress
Stress triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline (stress hormones), which can cause blood glucose levels to rise. Chronic stress can contribute to long-term blood glucose imbalances.
Medications
Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, some antidepressants, and certain asthma medications, can raise blood glucose levels as a side effect.
Illness or infection
During illness or infection, your body releases stress hormones to fight the illness. This can raise blood glucose levels.
What are the health effects of high blood glucose levels
Short-term effects
High blood glucose can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches. If very high, it can lead to electrolyte imbalance, causing dehydration and/or Hyper Osmolar Hyperglycemic State (HSS) in people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition, in people with type 1 diabetes.
Long-term effects
Over time, high blood glucose can damage blood vessels. This can cause heart disease, nerve damage, kidney problems, eye damage, and more infections.
Things you can do to avoid glucose spikes
Monitor blood glucose levels
Check your blood glucose regularly if advised by your doctor or diabetes educator.
Balanced diet
Eat whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, less processed foods and low GI carbohydrates. Include lean proteins and healthy fats. Ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian.
Portion control
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid large spikes.
Food and Nutrition Resources | NDSS
Exercise regularly
Sitting less and building muscle are important. Activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can help you to keep you blood glucose in your target range. If you are not sure about your target range, speak with your diabetes educator.
Take your medications
Follow your doctor’s advice for any medicines you need, including insulin.
Manage stress
Practice deep breathing, meditation, or hobbies to reduce stress.
Emotional and Mental Health | NDSS
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Drinking water won’t lower your blood glucose levels, but it can help you manage your glucose levels. Drinking enough water is healthy, with research linking it to a reduced risk of high blood glucose and effective for flushing waste out your kidneys.
Regular check-ups
Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your health and adjust your treatment as needed. Knowing if you are outside your target blood glucose range could help you to make changes. See your doctor for regular checks.
Annual cycle of care (ndss.com.au)
By understanding the causes of high blood glucose levels and ways to manage them, you may be able to improve your diabetes self-care and avoid complications.
For more help, follow the links in the article or call the NDSS helpline at 1800 637 700 and ask to speak with a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE), Accredited Practising Dietitian or Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
By Vania Khoury, Credentialled Diabetes Educator and Registered Nurse
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