Be leery of any prescription drugs you take for any health issues besides diabetes as they can affect your blood sugar levels. For example, steroids – which are often used for treating rashes, arthritis, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS, HIV/AIDS, etc.), and asthma – can cause your blood sugar levels to skyrocket. Other medications, including birth control and some antidepressants, can also affect your blood sugar. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any new medications to your routine.
4. Dehydration
If you’re a diabetic, it’s especially important to drink plenty of water throughout the day because when you’re dehydrated, the sugar in your bloodstream becomes more concentrated than normal, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
5. Menstrual cycle
Lots of women with diabetes experience higher-than-normal blood sugar levels while on their menstruation due to the many hormonal changes that occur. During your period, the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone rise and fall, causing a temporary resistance to insulin. As if cramps, bloating and mood swings weren’t annoying enough, right?
Continue to monitor what you eat, but also be mindful of these other factors, too.
Beyond Food: 5 Surprising Things That Affect Your Blood Sugar was originally published on blackdoctor.org
