Sugar rush is not simply a child screaming like a banshee. Sugar spike is a rather dangerous state that occurs when sugar builds up in the blood stream. It leads to problems like fatigue, thirst, frequent urination and vision issues.
With this sudden spike also comes the sudden fall in the blood sugar levels, which results in hypoglycemic headaches and slight tremors if the fall is great. As body releases insulin in order to process the sugar out of the blood stream, persistently high sugar levels result in insulin sensitivity as well.
Moreover, perpetually high levels makes people more prone to getting diabetes, a condition in which insulin production is impaired. Chronic sugar spike is a risky state for the body to be in, as it aggravates the diabetes-induced conditions. It damages organs like heart, kidneys, eyes and also has grave implications for the nervous system.
Therefore, everyone should refrain from giving their body these sugar spikes. Diabetics especially should be careful about their sugar consumption. They should monitor their levels and should be in contact with a good Internal medicine specialist in NESPAK Society Lahore. Any anomalies can be caught by the doctor in time.
Sugar Surprise
However, to be fair to people, some elements lead to surprisingly high sugar levels. Some things that can spike your sugar levels and catch you unaware include:
Saturated fats
Even though it’s the carbohydrates that get broken down into sugar, but saturated fats are not your friend either. Foods that are high in fat lead to insulin resistance in the body, which in turn causes the blood sugar levels to remain high.
But not all fats are bad; healthy fats like those found in nuts and avocado help in slowing down the release of glucose into the bloodstream, thereby preventing the sudden spike. So, instead of the fried foods and cheesy buns, go for healthy fats.
Stress
Stress also contributes to spiking your blood sugar levels. It causes body to enter into the fight or flight mode, during which body’s sensitivity to insulin is decreased. Consequently, sugar remains floating in the blood stream.
Moreover, high stress situation also causes some people to turn to their comfort foods, which are often laden with sugar or fat, further worsening the condition.
It is best therefore to practice breathing exercises and relaxation techniques during stressful situations to normalize the body, and the sugar levels.
Medicines and supplements
Some drugs like painkillers, asthma medication, oral contraceptives and supplements can also cause your blood levels to increase. Diabetics should always disclose their condition to the doctor, in case there is an alternative that can prevent this sugar-hike.
Sleeplessness
Whereas skipping a day or two’s sleep will not have you rushing to Diabetics Anonymous, but chronic sleep deprivation certainly is dangerous. It causes increased risk for diabetes.
Moreover, body also needs more energy to function, and thus more food gets consumed, leading to the spike. Body’s use of insulin also gets less efficient and effective on account of sleep deprivation.
Therefore, make sure to prioritize your sleep, and get professional help if the issue persists.
Skipping breakfast
When you skip breakfast, you resort to bigger lunch. When calories are compounded in one meal, you create conditions for the sugar spike. It also leads to weight gain, and as obesity also causes greater risk of diabetes, body’s health is put into peril.
Therefore, always eat breakfast and take small, intermittent meals throughout the day.
Fruit juice
We all deem natural things to be good for us, and fresh fruit juices are therefore considered epitome of health. They really are not.
Fruits are rich in natural sugar, and thus discretionary intake is applicable on them too. When we eat the fruit, we also take in the fiber, which leads to satiety, and thus we end up eating fruit in moderation. Which is great.
But when we make the juice, the quantity of fruit used is a lot, more than what we normally would have eaten. Without fiber to give satiety, we end up consuming a lot of sugar, leading to sudden spike.
Therefore, either use fruit in moderation and dilute with water when drinking juice, or, better yet, just eat the fruit!
Caffeine
In some people, caffeine also results in sugar spike. If you feel the onset of the swinging sugar levels, try cutting down on coffee and observe your body then.
Dawn phenomenon
Before breakfast, body experiences a hike in blood sugar level, and the insulin production tends to fall short of the requirement. This is known as “Dawn Phenomenon”.
It is due to dawn phenomenon that diabetics have higher fasting-sugar reading in the mornings. For people with type I diabetes, this can be a problem, whereas rest can recuperate without any problems.
Insulin medication
Some diabetics have to take insulin injections. However, there are certain factors that can render them ineffective, thereby leading to sugar remaining the blood stream.
The time when you take insulin is very important; time it with your meals. Moreover, if the medication is expired, it will not be work.
Similarly, the dose being taken is important. The requisite dosage is contingent on your sugar levels, your test reports etc. So, work with your Internal medicine specialist in North Nazimabad Karachi in finding the units that are perfect as per your requirements.
