Potential Reasons BG Levels Will Spike

Blood glucose levels can fluctuate throughout the day, but sudden spikes can cause discomfort and long-term health concerns. Understanding what causes these increases helps me manage my blood sugar more effectively. Contrary to common myth, many factors beyond just food intake can raise blood glucose levels, sometimes unexpectedly. This post explores common and less obvious reasons blood sugar might rise, helping us stay informed and in control.

Glucose meter showing elevated blood sugar levels

Stress and Its Impact on Blood Sugar

Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones signal the liver to release stored glucose (glycogen) for quick energy, raising blood sugar levels. Chronic stress can cause persistent high glucose, even without changes in diet. In other words, anything that triggers the rrlease of cortisol will potentially raise BG levels.

Examples of stressors include:

• Mental and emotional stress

• Hormonal changes

• Fear and anger

• Fever, infection, pain and inflammation

• Caffeine

• Extreme temperatires amd weatjer

• Resistance training and running

• SItting at a desk for long periods

• Poor sleep quality

  
  

Managing these potential causes can reduce its impact on blood sugar.

Other potential factors to consider

The lack of physical activity and accumulation of excess body fat also affected my BG during the winter months after my move back home. Winters in Norway are extremely long and cold, with only 6 hours of daylight in the region where I live. Mix that with delicious food from the festivities and a lack of outdoor activity, and I ended up gaining extra weight. The excess weight was not only causing physical stress on my body and affecting my mobility, but the visceral and subcutaneous fat were causing inflammation which in turn triggered cortisol release, raisning my BG levels progressively 24 - 7. This lowered my insulin sensitivity and increased my need for extra bolusing. Not good!

Other factors to consider are medications and dehydration. Certain medications can raise blood glucose as a side effect. It'ls not so much that the medication will raise BG, but that it will block the absortion of insulin or create flase readings. These include:

• Corticosteroids (used for inflammsation)

• Some diuretics (water pills)

• Certain antidepressants

• Beta-blockers (for heart conditions)

• NSAIDs (non steroidal anti'inlammatory drugs)

  
  

If you start a new medication and notice higher blood sugar, discuss alternatives or adjustments with your doctor.

When dehydrated, the blood becomes more concentrated, which can raise blood glucose readings. Remember, the body is made of 80% water. Drinking enough water helps dilute glucose, strengthens insulin response, and supports kidney function to remove excess sugar.

Aim for at least 8 cups of water daily, more if you are active or in hot weather.