6 common habits that easily raise blood sugar levels.

Skipping breakfast, staying up late, using artificial sweeteners, drinking too little water, and stress can all cause blood sugar levels to rise and become difficult to control.

According to MSc. Dr. Ha Thi Ngoc Bich, Department of Endocrinology - Diabetes, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, controlling blood sugar is the main goal in diabetes treatment, helping to prevent complications. Many diabetic patients find it difficult to maintain stable blood sugar levels daily.

Controlling blood sugar relies not only on medication and diet but also on exercise and lifestyle habits. According to Dr. Bich, some of the following habits can cause blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal.

Skipping breakfast increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to worsening insulin resistance, leading to hyperglycemia. Patients should eat breakfast regularly and on time every day, ensuring a nutritious breakfast.

Staying up late or not getting enough sleep increases the secretion of hunger hormone (ghrelin) and decreases the secretion of satiety hormone (leptin), increasing appetite. Snacking or eating late at night easily raises blood sugar levels.

Lack of sleep also affects the hormones insulin and cortisol, as well as oxidative stress, impacting blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and increasing the risk of insulin resistance in healthy individuals.

Skipping breakfast and staying up late increase blood sugar levels. (Illustration: Freepik) — Skipping breakfast and staying up late increase blood sugar levels. (Illustration: *Freepik)*

Using artificial sweeteners : The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against using artificial sweeteners for dieting or weight loss. Artificial sweeteners offer no health benefits and may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Drinking too little water : Dehydration increases the secretion of stress hormones (stress hormones) and insulin resistance, leading to high blood sugar. Drinking too little water causes dehydration, which is bad for the kidneys and can also raise blood sugar. Therefore, drinking enough water every day plays an important role in the treatment of diabetes, helping patients maintain good health and prevent chronic diseases.

Lack of physical activity : Daily exercise helps lower blood sugar levels and increases the body's sensitivity to insulin. Conversely, people with diabetes who are inactive tend to have higher blood sugar levels compared to days when they exercise. Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day supports better disease management.

Stress and inflammation : When the body is under stress, inflammation, infection, injury, or serious illness, it is more likely to increase the secretion of insulin-antagonistic hormones, causing blood sugar levels to rise.

According to Doctor Bich, in addition to subjective reasons related to lifestyle and diet, patients may experience hyperglycemia due to insufficient effectiveness of medication or other factors.

When blood sugar is high and difficult to control, patients should see a doctor for appropriate treatment. Avoid bad habits that can easily affect blood sugar levels.

Dr. Bich advises diabetic patients not to adjust their medication on their own, stop taking medication when blood sugar is stable, use unproven treatment methods, or smoke and drink alcohol.

Patients should limit snacks and carbohydrate-rich foods, avoid skipping meals, and refrain from eating large amounts of red meat. They should choose high-quality, healthy foods, reduce carbohydrate intake, supplement protein from plant sources or fish and lean meats, and eat plenty of green vegetables.

Dinh Tien

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