A British doctor has revealed five unexpected factors that can lead to high blood sugar, noting that some of these spikes are not necessarily harmful to health.Dr. Amir Khan explained in a video on his Instagram account that blood sugar, or glucose, is the body's primary source of energy and is regulated by insulin. Blood sugar levels often rise after consuming foods high in carbohydrates or sugar, or after large meals, but there may be other, perhaps surprising, reasons. Stress and Psychological PressureDr. Khan pointed out that stress raises blood sugar levels, saying: "When you're stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which stimulates the liver to release stored glucose to provide the body with energy." Patients with diabetes often notice their blood sugar levels rise during illness, and sometimes they need to adjust their medication accordingly. Infection or IllnessHanh explained that the body raises its blood sugar level while fighting off an infection or illness, saying: "This is part of the immune response; the body needs extra energy to fight off germs." He added: "This is useful in emergencies, but chronic stress can lead to chronically high glucose, which negatively affects health in the long run. Lack of SleepKhan stated that poor sleep or a single sleepless night makes the body more resistant to insulin, causing glucose to stay in the blood longer. He explained that chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Intense ExerciseRegarding physical activity, Khan noted that some types of exercise, especially intense or resistance training, can temporarily raise blood sugar. He added: "The body releases glucose as fuel, but in the long run, exercise improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels overall, so this increase isn't bad." Hormonal ChangesAnd the final piece of advice was for women, as the menstrual cycle or menopause can affect blood sugar levels. Khan explained that rising progesterone levels during the luteal phase of the cycle make cells more resistant to insulin, and falling estrogen levels before and after menopause also increase insulin resistance, which is reflected in higher blood sugar and symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, or brain fog.
