Perplexing and Unexplained Blood Sugar Level Fluctuations

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Perplexing and Unexplained Blood Sugar Level
Fluctuations
Attaining normal glucose levels is like a
pilgrimage for every person with diabetes. But
like the stock market or a rollercoaster ride,
blood sugar levels never remain the same and have
an uncanny knack of fluctuating throughout the
day. Fasting sugar levels are different from
postprandial levels and added to that, people
with diabetes tend to have unexplained blood
sugar level fluctuations leading to unnecessary
low sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and high sugar
levels (hyperglycemia). For many diabetics, this
is perplexing and disappointing. Despite all the
efforts, their sugar levels never seem to stay
put at a single level! Why do blood sugar levels
fluctuate? It is a fact that even in
non-diabetic people, blood sugar levels fluctuate
throughout the day. Factors affecting the
fluctuation of blood sugar levels include diet
(what you eat, how much you eat,time since last
meal),your activity levels, stress, diseases,
illness, infection, changing seasons, and a
variety of reasons can cause fluctuations in
blood sugar levels. Normal Blood Sugar
Fluctuation Range
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• In non-diabetic people, the fluctuations of blood
  sugar levels are narrow despite long hours of
  fasting or after feasting. This is because of
  their metabolic hemostasis that allows them to
  maintain balance and equilibrium.
• In experiments where a 24-hour continuous
  measurement of glucose concentration of healthy
  subjects was conducted, it was found that there
  were indeed fluctuations. The blood sugar levels
  were high after meals at around 118 after lunch
  and dinner, and after breakfast it was highest
  around 132.4. The values in the rest of the day
  and the nighttime were around 93 and 81.8.
• Unexplained Fluctuations in Blood Sugar Levels
• The most disturbing aspect a person with diabetes
  can have is unexplained fluctuation of blood
  sugar levels. Though glucose level in blood is
  not constant, it might be baThing for a diabetic
  to have blood sugar fluctuations despite taking
  medications and following dietary guidelines.
• However, if you are having such a rollercoaster
  of extreme blood sugar levels with lows and
  highs, it might cause diabetes complications. So,
  in order to avoid unnecessary complications, it
  is essential to first unravel the mystery of
  unexplained fluctuations in the blood sugar
  levels.
• Unusual fluctuations in blood sugar levels might
  occur due to a variety of reasons as blood sugar
  levels depend on numerous factors. So, you may be
  feeling irritated, have uncontrollable temper,
  feel lack of focus, foggy, depressed, and lack
  energy along with a host of symptoms when your
  blood sugar levels vary.
• So, here are a few surprising reasons that cause
  blood sugar level fluctuations
• Artificial Sweeteners.
• Dehydration.
• Household chores.
• Infections like cold and flu.
• Antidepressants, corticosteroids, diuretics,
  nasal decongestants.
• Lack of sleep and irregular sleep patterns.
• Travel in different time zones.
• Coffee, tea, energy drinks, sodas.
• Menopause (hormonal fluctuations).
• Periods (hormonal fluctuations).

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How to control unexplained fluctuations of blood
sugar levels Apart from the reasons mentioned
above, most people suffer from unexplained spikes
and falls in blood sugar levels as they do not
understand how much carbohydrates they have to
consume. Excessive carbohydrate consumption leads
to high blood sugar level and improper intake of
it with respect to the medication might cause low
blood sugar symptoms. Do the Math! Count those
carbs! These are times when we are busy even to
cook a square meal. And, we never miss out on an
opportunity to eat out. When asked how you like
your eggs, we would most likely answer in a
cake! In short, we indulge. And, high intake of
unhealthy carbohydrates is one of the main
culprits for uncontrolled blood sugar levels in
people with diabetes. In people with types of
diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), the mechanism
of the pancreas is impaired and their metabolism
is different. Any miscalculation of carbohydrate
intake can lead to large swings in the blood
sugar values. Carbohydrates are one of the
sources of nutrients apart from proteins and
fats.They are macronutrients and are made of
simple carbohydrates and complex
carbohydrates Simple Carbohydrates Simple
carbohydrates contain sugars like fructose,
galactose, sucrose, and lactose. These are found
in fruits and milk products and give immediate
energy bursts. Avoid Simple carbohydrates are
also contained in sodas, fast foods, and candy.
These are made from processed and refined
sugars. These have no minerals or vitamins and
are mere empty calories that lead to high blood
sugars. Complex Carbohydrates Complex
carbohydrates contain more than one sugar. They
are found in foods like beans, whole grains,
peas, and vegetables. They contain vitamins,
minerals, and fiber, which is good for
digestion. What Carbohydrates to Consume? It is
very important for people with diabetes to follow
a diet plan for diabetes. For a large extent,
this constitutes carbohydrate counting. People
with diabetes should consume healthy
carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables,
fruits, and dietary fibre. Carbohydrate counting
can be effectively done with the help of a
Diabetes Educator or a Clinical Nutritionist.
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• Other techniques to manage blood sugar level
  variations
• Reduce weight.
• Get stress management.
• Talk to your doctor about other medications you
  are using.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Reduce the intake of caffeine and substitute it
  with lemonade or something else.
• Consult your doctor before travelling overseas or
  before a season change.
• People might have high blood sugar in certain
  unusual circumstances. Insulin-dependent
• patients, in some cases suffer from scarring and
  fat formation. This happens if a patient injects
  insulin repeatedly at a single site. Due to this,
  there might be delayed absorption of insulin
  leading to high sugar levels. Later on, after the
  insulin is absorbed, the blood sugar level might
  go low. These patients have to change the site of
  the insulin injection.
• Some diabetics have high sugar levels due to
  kidney diseases, and thyroid and adrenal
  disorders. Others might have increased sugar
  levels due to an issue with their injections, and
  insulin pumps.
• It is to be noted that people who have persistent
  and unexplained hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar
  levels) should consult an Endocrinologist for
  further evaluation. A thorough lab work is
  warranted along with a relook at the medications
  prescribed. Pituitary and adrenal evaluation
  might be required.
• For better management of blood sugar levels
  consult our Diabetes Clinics nearby or call our
  toll free number 18001031010
• Source
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  explained-blood-sugar-level-fluctuations/