Blood Sugar Ups & Downs
Why your blood sugar changes
Because so many things can affect your blood sugar, your numbers can change from hour to hour throughout the day. With all those ups and downs, you may start to recognize the warning symptoms of blood sugar levels that are too high or too low. Or you may not experience any symptoms at all. With so much going on, remember to check your blood sugar as directed by your doctor.
The lowdown on your ups and downs
Here are some of the reasons your blood sugar levels can go up and down throughout the day.
Medications
- Not getting the right dose of diabetes medication
Diabetes can change over time, so your healthcare provider may need to change your medication or add another medication - Other medications
Medicine, including vitamins and supplements, you take for other conditions can affect your blood sugar levels. Be sure your doctor knows all the medications, vitamins and supplements you are taking.
Health
- Illness
A sickness as common as a cold can have an effect on your blood sugar levels - Dehydration
It's important to get plenty of liquids. If you are dehydrated, your body's blood sugar level can rise - Menstrual periods
A woman's menstrual cycle has a number of effects on her system, including a possible increase in her blood sugar levels - Pain
Short- or long-term pain can cause your body to release hormones. This release can lead to an increase in your blood sugar levels
Lifestyle
- Anxiety and stress
Even typical day-to-day stress can have a real physical effect, resulting in a change in the amount of sugar in your blood - Alcohol
Alcohol can have a definite effect on sugar, especially when it's consumed on an empty stomach. This can lower your blood sugar levels - Extra activity
Whether you’re taking more trips to the gym or running more errands, any increase in physical activity can make your body more sensitive to insulin, and therefore affect your blood sugar.
Taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor may help control your blood sugar levels. Since diabetes can change over time, your diabetes treatment may need to change, too. If you haven’t done so recently, find out where you stand with your Personal Check-In.
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