Control Stubborn High Blood Sugars: A T1D Dietitian’s Guide

Managing blood sugar levels is a challenge that many people with diabetes, whether Type 1 (T1D) or Type 2 (T2D), face daily.

For those struggling with persistent high blood sugars, it can often feel like you're doing everything right, but nothing seems to work. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to understand the role of the "three S's" in blood sugar management. These are Sleep, Stress, and Sickness—three factors that might be the root cause of stubborn high blood sugars.

1. Sleep: The Silent Blood Sugar Culprit

Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining balanced blood sugar. For individuals with diabetes, especially those working with a T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian, poor sleep can have a significant impact. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body interprets this as stress. This stress response leads to an increase in cortisol, a hormone that elevates blood sugar levels by increasing insulin resistance. Simply put, lack of sleep can make it harder for your body to use insulin properly, causing your blood sugar levels to rise.

So, whether you're managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, getting enough rest should be a priority. If you're having trouble sleeping, it might be helpful to speak with a diabetes educator or your diabetes dietitian for tips on improving your sleep quality. Sleep isn't just a luxury—it's essential for effective diabetes management.

2. Mental Stress: A Hidden Factor in Blood Sugar Control

Stress is another key player in high blood sugar levels. Mental stress, whether from personal, work, or emotional challenges, can trigger a release of cortisol. This hormonal surge makes it harder for insulin to do its job, which can raise your blood sugar. The effects of stress on blood sugar are often subtle but significant.

For people living with diabetes, a T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian can help identify triggers of stress and suggest strategies to manage it better. Taking time for relaxation, practicing mindfulness, and speaking with a diabetes educator can all be valuable tools in reducing mental stress and its impact on blood glucose.

3. Sickness: Your Body’s Hidden Stress Response

When you're sick, your body perceives it as physical stress, which can also lead to high blood sugar. This could be from something as simple as a cold or as serious as an infection. When you're unwell, your body's cortisol levels increase, resulting in higher insulin resistance and elevated blood sugars. It’s important to recognize that your body may pick up on the illness before symptoms show, which means blood sugar spikes can occur before you even feel sick.

For those managing Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, sickness can make blood sugar control even more challenging. It’s vital to work with a diabetes dietitian or a diabetes educator during times of illness. They can help adjust your nutrition and insulin plan to better manage blood sugar levels during these times.

Understanding the Role of Cortisol in Blood Sugar Control

Across all three of the "S's"—sleep, stress, and sickness—one thing remains constant: cortisol. This hormone is essential in the body’s stress response, but when elevated for long periods, it can wreak havoc on blood sugar levels. Not only does cortisol increase insulin resistance, but it can also break down muscle tissue, releasing glucose into the bloodstream and making it even harder to manage blood sugar levels.

If you find yourself facing persistent high blood sugars despite your best efforts, it may be worth discussing these three factors with your healthcare team. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian or Type 2 diabetes dietitian can offer personalized strategies to reduce cortisol levels and bring your blood sugar back into balance.

Conclusion

Understanding how sleep, stress, and sickness affect blood sugar control is crucial for those living with diabetes. If these factors are not addressed, they can lead to stubborn high blood sugars that seem impossible to manage. Partnering with a knowledgeable diabetes dietitian or diabetes educator can make a significant difference in controlling these factors and improving overall blood sugar management.

So, if you’re struggling with persistently high blood sugars, consider the three S’s: sleep, stress, and sickness. With the right support and information, it’s possible to regain control and lead a healthier life.