Journalism of Courage
We often associate high blood sugar with overeating sweets or processed foods, but the reality is more complex. Everyday habits that seem harmless, from skipping meals to lack of sleep, can unknowingly raise blood sugar levels and impact long term health. Here are six innocent habits you may not realize are spiking your glucose. (Photo: Freepik) (Source: Photo by unsplash )
Skipping Breakfast: Many believe that skipping breakfast helps in cutting calories, but it can actually backfire. Going without food in the morning often causes a spike in blood sugar when you finally eat, as the body becomes more insulin resistant after long fasting periods. A balanced breakfast stabilizes energy and prevents glucose fluctuations. (Source: Photo by unsplash )
Drinking Too Much Coffee: That extra cup of coffee may give you a quick boost, but caffeine can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which raises blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes or insulin resistance, too much caffeine can make glucose management more difficult. (Source: Photo by unsplash )
Not Getting Enough Sleep: Sleep deprivation doesn’t just leave you tired, it impacts how your body processes glucose. Poor sleep reduces insulin sensitivity, making your blood sugar levels rise even if your diet hasn’t changed. Aiming for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep is essential for healthy metabolism. (Source: Photo by unsplash )
Eating Low Fat Packaged Foods: Many packaged foods labelled low fat are actually loaded with hidden sugars to make up for lost flavour. Yogurts, cereals, and snacks in this category often cause sudden spikes in blood sugar, despite seeming like the “healthier” choice. (Source: Photo by unsplash )
Constant Snacking: While small snacks seem harmless, grazing all day, especially on refined carbs like chips or biscuits, keeps blood sugar elevated and doesn’t allow the body to reset. It also strains insulin production, making it harder to regulate glucose long term. (Source: Photo by unsplash )
Stressing Too Much: Stress is often underestimated as a factor in blood sugar control. When you’re anxious or overworked, the body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which increase glucose in the bloodstream to prepare for fight or flight. Chronic stress keeps levels high, even without dietary changes. (Source: Photo by unsplash )
