7 Daily Habits That Can Make Your Blood Sugar Soar

YOGYAKARTA - Keeping blood sugar levels stable is indeed important for the health of the body, especially for those who have diabetes risk. However, even though you have set a good diet, there are several small habits that can make blood sugar levels rise without realizing it. It is important to know, improve daily habits that can trigger a jump in blood sugar faster than you can imagine below.

Stress is one of the main causes of spikes in blood sugar that often escapes attention. When stressed, the body releases the hormone cortisol and adrenaline that makes blood sugar increase as a source of fast energy. If stress lasts a long time, the body will find it difficult to lower sugar levels. To overcome this, take relaxation time such as meditation, listening to music, or just walking casually so that the body and mind are calm again.

Exercise is important, but excessive intensity can have the opposite effect. Quoting Eating Well, Monday, October 6, physical activity that is too heavy encourages the heart to release additional sugar to meet energy needs, so blood sugar levels actually soar. So choose moderate exercise such as walking, yoga, or pilates that stay healthy without burdening the body. More importantly to be understood, that consistency is more important than forcing yourself to exercise high intensity every day.

Some types of drugs have side effects on blood sugar levels. Corticosteroids, antipsychotics, or diuretic drugs can increase blood sugar even though you don't change your diet. Therefore, it is important to always tell your doctor about your medical history before taking any medication. Do not stop or replace your drug dose without medical consultation so that your body's balance is maintained.

Dehydration is often taken lightly, even though it has a direct effect on blood sugar. When the body lacks fluids, glucose levels in the blood become more concentrated and difficult to process by the body. Drinking water regularly helps keep circulation and metabolism smooth. So, make it easy to meet daily fluid needs, especially if you are active outdoors or the weather is hot.

The 'sugar-free' label often cheats because it is not always meaningful without carbohydrates. Products such as biscuits, drinks, or sugar-free snacks may still contain artificial sweeteners and carbohydrates that trigger sugar spikes. Reading nutritional labels carefully is an important step so that you know the total amount of carbohydrates, not just the amount of sugar. Remember, something that is 'free' is not necessarily risk free.

Night sleep that is less than six hours can make the body less responsive to insulin, so blood sugar levels increase. In addition, lack of sleep also triggers excessive hunger and the desire to eat sweet foods. So, try to sleep enough between seven and nine hours every night with regular sleep time. Because quality sleep helps the body improve and maintain a balanced metabolism.

Although sunlight is beneficial for vitamin D, exposure that takes too long can cause stress on the body. When the skin is exposed to the sun for a long time, the hormone cortisol also increases, which ultimately has an impact on increasing blood sugar. To prevent blood sugar from rising because of this, it is recommended to use sunscreen and avoid extreme exposure, especially during the day to protect the skin and keep the body stable.

Keeping blood sugar stable does not always mean living a taboo life. The key is to recognize small habits that secretly affect the body's metabolism. By managing stress, maintaining hydration, getting enough sleep, and reading food labels more carefully, you can help the body work more in balance. If a blood sugar spike occurs continuously, don't hesitate to consult a doctor to treat it according to your needs.