Diabetes affects 8.3 percent of the U.S. population with 1.9 million Americans over the age of 20 newly diagnosed in 2010, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Diabetes is a condition that causes high levels of blood sugar because your body does not make enough of the hormone insulin or is resistant to insulin and does not use it properly. Insulin is the hormone responsible for blood sugar regulation. Because of this, you have to closely monitor and regulate your blood sugar through diet changes and medications. However, certain things can cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate. If regulation of your blood sugar and constant fluctuations becomes a problem, consult your physician.
Extra Activity
Exercise is essential for diabetics who are working to manage their blood sugar. When you exercise, your body uses sugar for energy and the more you exercise the lower your blood sugar levels become. Keeping a regular exercise schedule is essential so you can work to balance your blood sugar levels throughout the day and eat according to the energy you put out. At the same time, unscheduled exercise or strenuous activity can cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate and drop lower than normal. Having extra food and staying hydrated will help with this fluctuation.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes a variety of hormonal changes in your body that will affect the way you manage your blood sugar levels. Even if you have had your diabetes under control for years, pregnancy changes can alter how your current blood sugar management program has worked and you must adjust your meal plans, exercise routines and even your medication levels. These will also change as the pregnancy progresses and you may find constant fluctuations are a regular occurrence. If you are diabetic, you are considered a high-risk pregnancy and should be under close supervision by your physician.
Menstrual Cycle
Similar to pregnancy, your menstrual cycle causes hormonal changes in the body that can affect blood sugar levels and your ability to control them. The week before a woman starts to menstruate, hormonal changes increase her insulin resistance and even the medications taken to lower blood sugar will not work as well, according to Dr. Betsy Dokken. Once menstruation starts, the blood sugar levels drop again. Keeping a calendar of when your menstrual cycle occurs will be helpful in learning when to expect these fluctuations and plan accordingly.
Illness
When you are sick, your body produces more hormones that are designed to help it fight the illness. Unfortunately, these hormones also work to raise the blood sugar in your body, according to the Mayo Clinic. When you are sick, your activity level tends to decrease and, depending on the illness, your appetite may also be affected. Both of these play a big role in the regulation of your blood sugar and can create fluctuations.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; National Diabetes Statistics, 2011; February 2011
- MedlinePlus; Diabetes; May 10, 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Diabetes Management: How Lifestyle, Daily Routine Affect Blood Sugar; June 21, 2011
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; For Women With Diabetes: Your Guide to Pregnancy; February 2008
- ABC News; How Do Hormonal Fluctuations During My Menstrual Cycle Affect My Blood Sugar Levels?; Betsy Dokken, PhD; August 13, 2008
