Surprising Blood Sugar Triggers, According to Your Diabetes Dietitian

Sep 05, 2024

When it comes to managing diabetes, the focus is often on diet and exercise.

But there are other factors that can significantly influence your blood sugar levels, which you might not immediately think of. Today, we’re exploring three overlooked factors that could impact your glucose control, and how working with a certified diabetes dietitian can help manage these issues effectively.

1. Seasonal Allergies

You might not realize it, but seasonal allergies can actually affect your blood sugar levels. Here’s how: Allergies trigger inflammation in your body, which can lead to increased cortisol levels. Cortisol, in turn, can raise your blood sugar and reduce insulin sensitivity. For those managing diabetes, this can be a tricky situation. A diabetes educator or a Type 1 diabetes dietitian can work with you to address these seasonal allergy issues. By developing a tailored plan, they can help you mitigate the impact of allergies on your blood sugar levels, ensuring that you maintain better control over your diabetes.

2. Oral Steroids

Oral steroids like prednisone or cortisone injections are sometimes necessary for various medical conditions, but they can wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels. These medications can cause your blood sugar to spike into dangerously high ranges. If you're managing Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), working with a diabetes dietitian is crucial when you need to use oral steroids. They can help you adjust your insulin doses or medication regimen to counteract these spikes. With proper guidance from your registered dietitian, you can navigate the challenges of steroid use and maintain better control of your blood glucose levels.

3. Stress

Stress is another factor that can significantly impact your blood sugar levels. When you’re stressed, your body produces hormones like cortisol, which can elevate your blood sugar and make it harder for insulin to work effectively. This is an important aspect to address with your diabetes care team. Seeing your registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, incorporating stress management strategies into your routine is essential. A diabetes educator can provide valuable insights into techniques and practices that help reduce stress and stabilize your blood sugar levels, contributing to a more balanced and manageable diabetes care plan.

What Can You Do?

Understanding how these factors—seasonal allergies, oral steroids, and stress—can affect your blood sugar is the first step towards better diabetes management. Collaborate with your care team to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses these issues. They can offer tailored advice and strategies to help you manage your blood sugar levels effectively.