Factors That Can Raise Your Blood Sugar Levels

Jeff Hayward, Active Beat

April 26, 2018

When it comes to raising blood sugar levels, the first thing that comes to mind is sweets and candy—basically, anything delicious! You probably already know that these types of foods should only be enjoyed in moderation, but you might be surprised to learn that sugar, carbs, and all the tasty things are not the only factors that can raise your blood sugar levels.

In addition to these foods, there are also environmental and lifestyle factors that can alter your blood sugar levels. You might not even realize you're doing it! Let's look at 13 things (that may or may not be related to diet) that can change your blood glucose levels relatively quickly.

1. Caffeine

Caffeine in coffee (and other sources) can wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels, according to EveryDay Health. Research published by the American Diabetes Association found that too much caffeine can cause an increase in blood sugar levels in those who already have diabetes.

The study adds that up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is generally safe, but warns that caffeine can affect glucose behavior and, consequently, blood sugar levels. "You may notice changes in blood sugar after drinking just two 8-ounce cups of coffee," it states. Meanwhile, other research has shown that drinking 3 to 4 cups of coffee per day may actually reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

2. Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation can have all kinds of negative impacts on health, but what you might not have considered is how it can affect your blood sugar levels. The National Sleep Foundation explains that the medical community has known for years that a lack of sleep affects the body's ability to metabolize glucose.

It cites research that involved limiting the sleep of healthy adult participants to 4 hours per night for 6 nights. The result was that their ability to break down glucose was 40 percent lower, "reaching levels typical of older adults at risk for diabetes," it adds. The subjects who did not get enough rest also had a more sustained blood sugar spike after consuming a carbohydrate-rich breakfast compared to those who got enough rest.

3. Extreme Weather

Your blood sugar level can go up and down with the thermometer to a certain extent. EveryDay Health notes that if it’s "sweltering hot or extremely cold outside," it can interfere with diabetes management. "People with diabetes vary in how their bodies respond to heat," it added.

Blood sugar may rise in diabetics as heat puts more stress on their system, while others may actually see a drop in blood sugar, it explains. "High temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate, which can enhance glucose absorption and potentially lead to low blood sugar," it adds.

4. Synthetic Sweeteners

If you don’t put real sugar into your body, then your blood sugar level won’t go up, right? Not so fast, according to Reader's Digest. It explains that an Israeli study shows that even fake sugar can have a "negative effect and is one of the foods that raises blood sugar."

Tests on mice showed that those who were given artificial sweeteners had higher blood sugar levels than those who were given real sugar. Antibiotics were shown to lower blood sugar in test subjects who had received artificial sugars, leading researchers to believe that these sweeteners alter gut bacteria and, in turn, the way the body processes glucose. "It’s recommended to drink beverages with artificial sweeteners in moderation," says Julie Ching, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator.

5. Dehydration

Dehydration is another potentially life-threatening condition that can largely be avoided, but it can happen to anyone on a hot day if they’re not prepared. EveryDay Health states that as fluid levels decrease, sugar levels can become more concentrated, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

Additionally, high blood sugar levels can make your body want to urinate more frequently, which can lead to dehydration. Carry water or sports drinks with you on outdoor walks, or follow the guideline of 8 glasses of water a day, especially if you're diabetic.

6. Skipping Breakfast

We understand: you're in a rush, you have limited time in the morning to eat and take your kids to school before heading to the office. However, eating an insufficient breakfast or skipping it altogether can have negative consequences on your blood sugar levels.

Reader's Digest explains that a 2013 study shows that overweight women in particular who skip breakfast had higher glucose and blood sugar levels after lunch compared to days when they had breakfast first. "Try to incorporate some healthy proteins and fats into your morning ritual," recommends Ching.

7. The Dawn Phenomenon

There’s something that happens in all of us called the "dawn phenomenon," which is a surge of hormones produced early in the morning even before you wake up. "People with diabetes don’t have normal glucose level responses to adapt to this and may see their fasting glucose increase," explains the American Diabetes Association.

8. Fatty Foods

Reader's Digest states that if you have diabetes, it’s not only important to count carbohydrates but also to be aware of the fat content in your foods, as fats can cause resistance to the hormone that regulates blood glucose.

The source refers to a 2011 study from the Journal of Nutrition involving subjects who consumed a "fat-containing drink" similar to a fatty meal. They then drank a sugary beverage 6 hours later. The result was that blood sugar levels were 32% higher compared to the percentage if they hadn’t consumed the fat-laden drink first. "It seems that high fat levels in the blood also affect the body’s ability to remove sugar from the bloodstream," it concludes.

9. Female cycles

Unfortunately, along with all the other unpleasant things that can accompany a menstrual period, blood sugar levels can also be affected due to hormonal changes, says EveryDay Health.

It adds that some diabetic women may become less sensitive to regulating glucose levels leading up to their period, which can cause glucose levels to rise more freely. “Readings typically return to normal once menstruation begins,” it adds. The source suggests reducing carbs for the week leading up to your period, or trying to increase exercise during that time.

10. Smoking is far from sweet

We don't need to tell you all the health problems that have been linked to smoking, but we will anyway. One of them is potentially high blood sugar, especially for diabetics, says Reader's Digest.

The source refers to a 2011 study from the California Polytechnic State University that found blood samples exposed to nicotine raised A1C blood levels, which is a marker of average blood sugar control over 3 months. These levels increased with the amount of nicotine exposure. “These high blood sugar levels increase the risk of serious diabetes complications, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure,” it warns.

11. Infections and blood sugar

Common infections that cause colds, flu, or urinary tract infections can lead to irregular blood sugar levels. This is due to the effect of the "germ-fighting chemicals" your body releases in response to infections.

The body treats illnesses the same way it handles stress, and that means the liver produces more glucose to give you extra energy. Meanwhile, stress hormones released can make your cells more resistant to regulating blood sugar. "Whether a person has diabetes or not, blood sugar will generally rise drastically when the person is sick," says Ching. "People with diabetes will typically see an increase because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough of the hormone that regulates blood sugar."

12. Sunburns at the beach

You may be getting excited about the upcoming summer months, and those in the northern parts of the U.S. should be, as it has been a long and unpredictable winter (and spring). However, you should make sure to take all necessary precautions, because sunburn can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels.

The Mayo Clinic states that sunburn can put stress on your body, which, as we’ve noted, can result in higher glucose levels (not to mention that it can lead to possible dehydration). “Use a good sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat when you're exposed to the sun,” it suggests.

13. Certain medications

EveryDayHealth.com says that both prescription and over-the-counter medications that treat conditions other than diabetes can affect your blood sugar levels. For example, steroids for inflammation and asthma "can cause blood sugar to spike dramatically," it says.

Other medications that can affect blood sugar include antidepressants, diuretics, nasal decongestants, and even birth control pills. You should talk to your doctor about any new medications you are taking and whether they will affect diabetes control, it suggests.