What is a sudden increase in blood sugar?
According to Dr. Mahesh DM, consultant endocrinologist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore (India), a spike in blood sugar is a condition in which blood sugar levels increase rapidly after eating, especially when using foods high in sugar or refined carbohydrates. These foods are broken down very quickly, causing glucose to enter the blood in a short time. The pancreas has to secrete a lot of insulin to regulate, leading to strong fluctuations in blood sugar.
Dr Mahesh DM says that such a rise in blood sugar can make the body fall into a state of fatigue, rapid hunger or throbbing. If it occurs frequently, it puts pressure on the body and increases the risk of weight gain, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Common causes of increased blood sugar
Factors leading to sudden increases in blood sugar include:
Eat quickly-decomposed foods such as cakes, soft drinks, white rice, white bread
Skipping meals or eating too much at a meal
Lack of fiber or protein in meals
Drink juice instead of eating whole fruits
Prolonged stress, lack of sleep, lack of exercise
Eat too quickly or eat late at night
These habits make it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar, thereby causing sudden spikes.
Do people without diabetes have high blood sugar?
According to Dr Mahesh DM, many people think that only people with diabetes have hyperglycaemia, but in fact, healthy people can still have this condition. The causes often come from a diet high in sugar, skipping meals, drinking sugary drinks or being stressed. Some medications, especially corticosteroids, can also temporarily increase blood sugar.
singles spikes in blood sugar do not mean diabetes. However, if this condition occurs frequently, the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes will increase over time.
How much blood sugar fluctuates is normal?
In people without diabetes, normal blood sugar levels are:
Before eating: 70-99 mg/dL
After eating for about 2 hours: less than 140 mg/dL
Blood sugar may increase slightly during exercise, stress or lack of sleep, but will return to normal quickly if the hormonal system is stable.
Is it normal to have a sudden increase in blood sugar?
Dr Mahesh DM shares that increasing blood sugar after meals is a natural physiological reaction. However, increased too much or too often can cause:
Fatigue, rapid hunger, cravings
Increased risk of fat accumulation
Metabolic disorders
Increased risk of diabetes and heart disease
Maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle is a key factor in limiting this condition.
How to control blood sugar to avoid sudden spikes
Experts offer simple but effective measures:
Eat a balanced meal of fiber, protein and healthy fats
Prioritize whole grains, green vegetables, whole fruits, nuts
Limit sugary drinks and refined starches
Don't miss meals, especially breakfast
Eat slowly, divide meals throughout the day
Walk or do light exercise after meals
Maintain adequate and even sleep
Reduce stress by breathing, meditating or moving
Drink enough water and avoid eating late at night.
The information in the article is for reference only, not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate advice that is suitable for your health condition.
