Glucose, the form of sugar from carbohydrates that's used by the body for energy and cell functioning, may be referred to as blood sugar. Blood sugar levels increase when people eat or drink, and levels decrease when people fast or when insulin production increases. When a person has diabetes, the body loses the ability to control glucose levels within the normal limit of 100 mg/dL. So the person may have to monitor glucose intake from foods, drugs or herbs and use insulin injected into the body to balance the sugar level.
Stimulants
Stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, which are used in controlled drug substances to treat attention-deficit disorder and narcolepsy, also increase blood glucose levels. The herbal product ephedra, which is banned in the United States after being a primary ingredient in weight-loss tablets, doesn't increase glucose alone. However, ephedrine (a derivative product) combined with caffeine can greatly increase glucose; these supplements were commonly combined in weight-loss products.
Antipsychotics
Newer-generation antipsychotic agents such as Zyprexa can increase glucose levels. This effect isn't usually beneficial, though, as it can result in uncontrolled diabetes and hyperglycemia. Unfortunately, the increased glucose seems to be a drug class interaction that occurs with any new antipsychotic agent.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Sources
Flaxseed oil, which is common in food products and herbal supplements, contains high amounts of omega-3 (i.e., essential) fatty acids. Although these fatty acids are especially healthy for people with diseases such as high cholesterol, cardiac disease and diabetes, the oil also increases blood sugar levels and can affect diabetes control. Another herbal source of essential fatty acids in quantities large enough to affect glucose is purslane, or pigweed.
