Can the mere smell of delicious food lead to a rise in blood sugar levels?

“It does happen, but at minimal levels. This happens because your brain and body react to the smell (and the thought of food) as if you’re about to eat. The brain sends signals to prepare your body, and part of that preparation involves releasing stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones tell your liver to release extra glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream to give you energy for the upcoming meal,” said Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology, Zandra Healthcare, and co-founder, Rang De Neela Initiative.

It may sound surprising, but yes, your blood sugar levels can begin to rise even before you take the first bite, concurred Dr Vijay Negalur, HOD, diabetology, KIMS Hospitals, Thane. “This is part of the cephalic phase insulin response, where the body gets ready for food intake as soon as it senses food through sight, smell, or even thought. When you smell something delicious, your brain sends signals to the pancreas to start making insulin in anticipation,” said Dr Negalur.

This is your body’s natural way of preparing to digest and absorb food. When the aroma of food reaches the brain, it stimulates the release of insulin, gastric acid, and digestive enzymes, effectively priming the body for digestion and glucose metabolism, explained Dr Narander Singla, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. “This release of insulin can lead to a temporary drop in blood sugar levels, especially if no food follows soon after. While this response is a natural part of the body’s preparation for eating, it can have noticeable effects for individuals who are managing diabetes or are sensitive to blood sugar fluctuations,” said Dr Singla.

Dr Singla said sweet or carbohydrate-rich aromas tend to produce a stronger cephalic-phase response compared to other food types. “However, the extent of this effect also varies from person to person, depending on factors such as insulin sensitivity, metabolic health, and dietary patterns,” said Dr Singla.

What happens in people with diabetes?

While this is a “normal response” for people without diabetes, in people with diabetes or insulin resistance, the body can’t handle this sugar properly, stressed Dr Kovil. “The insulin either comes too late or isn’t effective enough, so blood sugar stays high,” said Dr Kovil.

What should you keep in mind? (Photo: Freepik)

Gut and brain axis

Interestingly, in some individuals, especially those who are highly sensitive to food cues or are dealing with metabolic issues, simply smelling food may trigger a hormonal response that raises blood sugar levels slightly before eating, said Dr Negalur. “While this increase is usually small, it shows how closely our brain and metabolism are connected,” added Dr Negalur.

According to Dr Kovil, during festivals or family gatherings, “you may smell sweets, fried food, or rich dishes frequently”. “All these triggers can cause multiple small spikes in blood sugar—even without eating,” said Dr Kovil.

This is why Dr Kovil stressed that managing stress and understanding how your body reacts to smells and cravings is essential. “Blood sugar isn’t only about what you eat—it’s also about what your mind and body expect,” said Dr Kovil.

What to note?

Dr Negalur contended that smell alone won’t cause a significant rise in blood sugar levels. “The real effect still comes from the type and amount of food consumed. However, for people managing diabetes, understanding how their body reacts to non-eating stimuli can be helpful,” said Dr Negalur.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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