It’s a fact of life that blood sugar fluctuates throughout the day. These ups and downs depend on a handful of factors, like when you wake up, what you eat, the medications you take, and how you manage stress. So, some variation is normal, to the point that you might not even notice it.
Ignoring blood sugar level changes altogether, though, means you’re ignoring a valuable marker of your health. Especially if you start to have new or unfamiliar symptoms like fatigue, thirst, or brain fog (to name a few). Learning these symptoms and their causes will give you the tools to better understand your own body, then take the right actions for better long-term metabolic health.
What is high blood glucose (aka “hyperglycemia”)?
To fully understand your blood glucose levels, it’s important to know: a) what values are actually considered high, and b) factors that can cause your elevated reading in the first place.
High blood glucose, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when there is too much sugar in the bloodstream. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is the result of too little glucose in the bloodstream. Hyperglycemia usually occurs because your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t properly use the available insulin to remove the glucose from the bloodstream.
Using milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) for measurement, high blood glucose readings after a meal indicating prediabetes can fall between 140 and 199 mg/dL. Levels reaching 200 mg/dL two hours after eating indicate you may already be insulin resistant or diabetic, though that diagnosis will need to come from your doctor. By comparison, the typical standard for normal glucose readings is to remain under 140 mg/dL throughout the day and under 100 mg/dL after eight hours of fasting.
A range of lifestyle factors, habits, and health conditions can cause high blood sugar. To debunk common hyperglycemia myths, review causes and symptoms, and discuss the best ways to address them, we spoke with two experts on high blood sugar levels: registered dietitian and For The Love of Diabetes creator Lori Zanini and registered dietitian nutritionist and diabetes management expert Mary Ellen Phipps.
Myths about high blood glucose
There are a handful of misconceptions surrounding high blood glucose. Some you might have heard before, some you may not even know are myths.
“Only diabetics get high glucose values”
While a high glucose value can indicate diabetes, nondiabetics can also have higher values than normal. When researchers studied people wearing a continuous glucose monitor who did not have a diabetes diagnosis, they found 93% of individuals reached glucose levels that are considered dangerous, with 10% spending over 2 hours per day in these dangerous levels. Traditional glucose measurements, like a single point in time blood glucose value, are unable to capture these abnormalities.
There are actually several causes of high blood sugar unrelated to diabetes that the CDC recognizes. These include certain foods, like artificial sweeteners and coffee. Other factors like stress can do it, too. If you live with an endocrine or pancreatic condition, had surgery recently, or are experiencing intense physical stress (say, from a sunburn), you may also see your glucose value rise.
“All carbs are created equal”
Phipps explains that, despite containing similar amounts of carbohydrates, one serving of pasta could have a hugely different effect on your blood glucose levels than one serving of rice. Likewise, that serving of pasta may have an entirely different effect on your blood glucose levels than your friends’ or even family members’. “We’re all unique,” Phipps says.
“I feel fine, so I don’t need to test my levels”
Zanini points out that having high blood glucose can come as a surprise to anyone. “It's possible they didn't notice any symptoms or were simply feeling 'more tired than usual,’” she says. “It's easy to attribute being tired to many other things. . .so this is why regular physicals with your healthcare provider are important.” The bottom line? Listen to your body, take note of symptoms as they arise, and consider monitoring your continuous glucose values.
“High glucose isn’t preventable”
According to the CDC, managing stress, staying active, and maintaining a balanced diet of fiber, protein, and fat, can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. You can also work with your doctor and a registered dietitian to devise a routine that's both preventative and sustainable.
“If my A1C is normal, my glucose is good”
An A1C result that’s below 5.7% is normal by the CDC’s standards, but having a result below that number isn’t the end of the story. Pregnancy, hemoglobin variants, anemia, liver disease, and certain medications can cause inaccurate A1C results.
Additionally, the A1C test is measuring your average glucose value over the past 3 months, but averages inherently do not capture highs and lows. So, you could have a normal average while also having abnormal glucose spikes. The A1C test should only supplement your regular blood sugar testing, not replace it completely.
Is having high blood glucose dangerous?
In short, it can be. Zanini says that untreated high blood glucose can lead to a wide range of health issues—some of the most common being chronic inflammation, heart disease, vision impairment, kidney disease, nerve damage, tooth decay, damaged blood vessels, and periodontal disease.
Having high blood glucose also puts us at risk of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. The former is a condition in which mitochondria fail to produce energy for cells. The latter occurs when free radicals outnumber antioxidants in the body and increase the risk of disease and other damage.
Phipps notes to avoid these risks, catching high blood glucose early on, then taking action to treat it is extremely important.
What causes high blood glucose?
Experts are still learning about all the factors that can contribute to high blood glucose. With that in mind, these are the main known causes of high blood glucose.
Causes related to personal health
Insulin resistance
This condition occurs when the cells in your muscles, fat, and liver are unable to use the glucose in your bloodstream for energy. Your pancreas responds to this increase in glucose by producing more insulin to help your body process it. This excess amount of insulin in the bloodstream can eventually cause your body to lose insulin sensitivity or build resistance to it, leading to higher blood glucose levels.
Bodyweight and body fat
Research connects being overweight and having a higher body fat percentage with high blood glucose levels. In fact, a high body fat percentage might be a clearer indicator of high blood sugar and diabetes than weight or body mass index (BMI).
Other health conditions
Certain conditions could make you more likely to have high blood glucose. These include Cushing’s disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and gestational diabetes. Blood glucose may also rise as the result of common illnesses like a head cold or the flu.
Hormonal changes
It isn’t just stress and sleep that can cause fluctuations in hormones. Illness, physical pain and trauma, menopause or menstruation can as well. In any of these instances, your blood glucose levels may rise due to the changes in your hormone levels.
Medications
Certain medications, including steroids and beta-blockers, can disrupt insulin’s effectiveness. Others, like second-generation antipsychotics and certain antibiotics, may contribute to high blood sugar. However, research to learn why this happens is ongoing.
Gut issues
A growing body of research links imbalances in the microbiota living in our guts to an inability to regulate glucose levels in the blood. This is sometimes due to antibiotic use or infection.
Genetics
A family history of high blood sugar and specific genes may increase a person’s chances of having high blood glucose and developing diabetes. People with African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic heritage may face greater risks.
Causes related to diet
Processed foods and sugar
Diet and how it relates to blood glucose values can vary immensely from person to person. But, research suggests that eating processed foods (particularly ones high in sugar and fat) can increase blood glucose.
Overeating or grazing
It’s a common belief that snacking throughout the day (a.k.a. “grazing”) will keep blood glucose levels steady. But, a 2013 study found that eating two large meals per day helped reduce blood glucose more effectively than six small meals per day. It’s also important to keep our meals to the right proportions, as overeating can raise blood glucose levels as well.
Dehydration
Some research has found a connection between low water intake and a greater risk of hyperglycemia. This is most likely because less water in the body means the concentration of glucose in the blood is higher.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Research into this cause is ongoing. Yet, studies suggest diets lacking micronutrients like chromium, magnesium, or vitamin D may contribute to high blood glucose.
Causes related to lifestyle
Physical inactivity
Exercising prompts your body to burn more energy than usual, and, as a result, consume more glucose. Maintaining a low level of physical activity, on the other hand, means more glucose will remain in the bloodstream. This raises your overall blood glucose values in the process.
Exercise also makes our body more insulin sensitive, which means we will require less insulin for the rest of the day to control glucose levels.
Stress
Part of the body’s fight-or-flight response to stress is to produce additional glucose. Another facet of that response is an increase in the hormone cortisol. High cortisol can reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin. As a result, blood glucose levels may also increase.
Poor sleep
A lack of quality sleep can inhibit how much insulin your body can release. It can also cause the production of cortisol, which makes it harder for insulin to work. When your body’s insulin cannot properly metabolize the glucose in your blood, the glucose remains there and your glucose levels rise.
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10 main symptoms of high blood glucose
While an individual can have no noticeable symptoms and still have high blood glucose, knowing what kinds of symptoms tend to accompany high blood glucose helps us take the right action before things get worse. If for no other reason, keeping these markers of high blood glucose in mind can help you identify it more quickly in yourself.
The most common symptoms to be aware of are:
- Thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurry vision
- Headaches and brain fog
- Increased cravings for carbs and sweets
- “Hanger”
- Poor energy levels or midday crashes
- Fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Slow-healing cuts
How to diagnose high blood glucose
Doctors use four main tests to gauge patients’ blood glucose levels:
1. Fasting blood glucose test
Conducted after fasting for eight hours; a reading of 100 mg/dL or more is considered high or a sign of prediabetes, while a reading of at least 126 mg/dL indicates type 2 diabetes. However, for optimal health, we recommend aiming for a fasting glucose value below 90 mg/dL.
2. Oral glucose tolerance test
Conducted after fasting for eight hours, drinking a high-sugar glucose solution, and waiting two more hours; a reading of at least 140 mg/dL is considered a sign of prediabetes. A reading of 200 mg/dL or higher is type 2 diabetes. For optimal health, you want to aim for a two-hour glucose of 110 mg/dL or lower.
3. Random blood glucose test
Conducted at any time throughout the day; a reading of at least 200 mg/dL indicates type 2 diabetes.
4. A1c test
Conducted at any time throughout the day; a result below 5.7% is considered normal. A result greater than 5.7% is considered an indication of prediabetes, and a result of 6.5% or higher indicates type 2 diabetes.
How to treat high blood glucose
Zanini says high blood glucose treatment is a hyper-individualized process based on several personal details. These include age, pre-existing conditions, current medications, and current blood glucose value. But, several overarching lifestyle changes can help reduce high blood glucose.
Address a poor diet
Everyone can benefit from consuming a diet rich in whole foods. It’s further beneficial to minimize intake of processed foods, such as foods containing sugar, flour, and vegetable seed oil. While there is no “best” diet for everyone, this golden rule of nutrition can help any person get more from their meals.
Personalized nutrition makes room for your unique differences and takes your individuality into account. The best way to find your perfect diet is to test different approaches, experiment, work with a dietitian, and use data such as glucose monitoring to assess if something is working or not.
Maintain an active lifestyle
Take breaks during a sedentary workday, add a walk around the block to your morning routine, or try a new form of exercise. These activities bring great benefit in both the short and long term while helping reduce your overall stress. Including regular strength training and aerobic exercise will help to lower glucose values, as well.
Manage stress
Make stress-relieving practices like reframing your thoughts and soothing breathing exercises part of your daily routine. Doing so will reduce your overall stress and, in turn, help prevent spikes in cortisol.
Get adequate sleep
Getting good rest will help regulate your hormones and reduce unwanted spikes in your blood glucose levels.
Maintain a healthy weight
According to the American Diabetes Association, maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of developing high blood glucose and diabetes. If you’re working toward a healthy weight, the ADA recommends creating a sustainable routine you can stick with and focusing your efforts toward realistic goals.
Take medication as prescribed by your doctor
A doctor may prescribe anti-diabetes medication like metformin to help lower your blood glucose levels. If you’re at high risk of developing diabetes, taking this medication is crucial for lowering high glucose levels.
When should you see a doctor?
Your yearly doctor’s appointment is an excellent time to check in on your blood glucose levels. This is especially true if your age (over 45 years old), weight, or family history put you at higher risk for developing diabetes in general.
If you suspect you may have high blood glucose already, Zanini says that any changes in your health count as cause to see your doctor. Make an appointment to undergo the diagnostic tests listed above and to discuss treatment options with your provider. If you have high blood glucose and experience trouble breathing, vomiting, confusion, extremely high thirst, or other symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, seek medical attention right away. This condition occurs when your body burns fat too quickly and converts it into ketones, which make your blood acidic. It can be life-threatening if left untreated.
How to tell if your blood glucose levels are high?
When learning more about your overall health and how your body responds to your routines, staying informed about your blood glucose levels should be a top priority. The following glucose monitoring options can help you get a better picture of your health:
Blood tests
As previously described, your doctor can conduct a series of blood tests to determine your blood glucose level. These may include a fasting blood glucose test or a random blood glucose test.
Oral glucose tolerance test
Your doctor may also conduct an oral glucose tolerance test. This procedure requires you to fast for eight hours, drink a high-sugar solution, and wait two more hours before your doctor tests your blood. From that test, they can identify your blood glucose level.
Glucometer
Also known as a glucose meter, this device tests your blood glucose level with a finger prick. It can provide you with on-demand readings of your blood glucose levels.
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
This option measures your levels through a small, painless device on the back of your arm, keeping you updated on your blood glucose 24/7 and showing your responses to food, exercise, and other routines in real time.
High blood glucose is an individualized issue, but knowing its causes and symptoms will help you understand how it can affect your life. Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and regular doctor’s visits are key for maintaining a healthy blood glucose level. They're also highly effective preventative measures. Keeping track of new symptoms or changes in your health, like weight loss, fatigue, or increased thirst and urination is also important.
If you know the indicators of high blood glucose, you can feel more informed about your health as a whole and know when it's time to seek medical treatment. Staying on top of your levels by developing healthier lifestyle habits and monitoring your body’s responses to these changes puts you in control and can help bring your levels down to a healthy range.
See how your lifestyle changes affect your glucose levels by monitoring them
The Nutrisense Continuous Glucose Health Program provides users with real-time information on the impact sleep, stress, exercise, and lifestyle have on their blood glucose levels. Join today to start learning from your own body’s data to best support your well-being.
FAQs
Why does my glucose level keep rising? ›
For people with diabetes, blood sugar can spike. Dehydration—less water in your body means your blood sugar is more concentrated. Nose spray—some have chemicals that trigger your liver to make more blood sugar. Gum disease—it's both a complication of diabetes and a blood sugar spiker.
Is 13 high for blood sugar? ›Recommended Blood Sugar Targets
Before meals, your blood sugar should be: From 90 to 130 mg/dL (5.0 to 7.2 mmol/L) for adults. From 90 to 130 mg/dL (5.0 to 7.2 mmol/L) for children, 13 to 19 years old. From 90 to 180 mg/dL (5.0 to 10.0 mmol/L) for children, 6 to 12 years old.
Endocrine conditions, such as Cushing syndrome, that cause insulin resistance. Pancreatic diseases such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis. Certain medications (such as diuretics and steroids). Gestational diabetes, which happens in 4% of pregnancies, and is due to decreased insulin sensitivity.
How do you bring your sugar down quickly? ›...
Eat a consistent diet
- whole grains.
- fruits.
- vegetables.
- lean proteins.
Did you know it's Sugar Free February and that drinking water can help to lower blood sugar levels by diluting the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood stream. By drinking water lots of water you can reduce your blood sugar as it indirectly will reduce insulin resistance and help reduce hunger.
At what blood sugar level should I go to the hospital? ›Severe hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia happens when blood sugar levels are too low, usually below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). Without treatment, such low levels of blood sugar can lead to seizures and become life-threatening. It is a medical emergency.
What blood sugar level is alarming? ›In general, a blood sugar reading of more than 180 mg/dL or any reading above your target range is too high. A blood sugar reading of 300 mg/dL or more can be dangerous. If you have 2 readings in a row of 300 or more, call your doctor.
What is an unsafe level of blood sugar? ›A reading above 300 mg/dL can be dangerous, according to the University of Michigan, which recommends immediately informing your doctor if you have two or more readings of 300 mg/dL in a row. In severe cases, very high blood sugar levels (well above 300 mg/dL) can result in coma.
Can stress and anxiety cause high blood sugar? ›Stress hormones have a big role to play. When you're experiencing physical or emotional stress, hormones are released that increase your blood sugar. Cortisol and adrenaline are other primary hormones involved. This is a perfectly natural response.
Can dehydration cause high blood sugar? ›glucose. Mild to moderate levels of dehydration—especially during hot weather, intense exercise, or illness (diarrhea or vomiting)—can easily spike your blood sugar 50 to 100 mg/dL or higher.
Can anxiety raise blood sugar? ›
Yes, emotions can affect your blood sugar. Anxiety, fear, even that happy feeling you had when you got that new job can be stressful sometimes. When we're stressed – whether it's physical stress or mental stress – our bodies produce hormones such as cortisol that can raise blood glucose even if we haven't eaten.
Why wont my blood sugar come down? ›Large meals high in both carbohydrates and fat
Eating a large meal that is high in both carbohydrates, which are metabolized relatively quickly, and fats, which take more time to digest, can cause a prolonged elevation in blood glucose.
- Oats.
- Beans and lentils.
- Salmon and other fatty fish.
- Eggs.
- Nuts and nut butters.
- Seeds and seed butters.
- Unsweetened yogurt and kefir.
- Fermented vegetables.
Lemon juice significantly lowered the mean blood glucose concentration peak by 30% (p < 0.01) and delayed it more than 35 min (78 vs. 41 min with water, p < 0.0001).
What brings sugar down? ›When you eat carbs, they are broken down into simple sugars. Those sugars then enter the bloodstream. As your blood sugar levels rise, your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin, which prompts your cells to absorb sugar from the blood. This causes your blood sugar levels to drop.
What time of day is blood sugar highest? ›The dawn phenomenon, also called the dawn effect, is the term used to describe an abnormal early-morning increase in blood sugar (glucose) — usually between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. — in people with diabetes.
Does coffee raise blood sugar? ›For most young, healthy adults, caffeine doesn't appear to noticeably affect blood sugar (glucose) levels, and having up to 400 milligrams a day appears to be safe.
What are 5 signs of a diabetic emergency? ›- hunger.
- clammy skin.
- profuse sweating.
- drowsiness or confusion.
- weakness or feeling faint.
- sudden loss of responsiveness.
A diabetic coma could happen when your blood sugar gets too high -- 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more -- causing you to become very dehydrated. It usually affects people with type 2 diabetes that isn't well-controlled. It's common among those who are elderly, chronically ill, and disabled.
When is diabetes an emergency? ›Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is a life-threatening emergency caused when you don't have enough insulin and your liver has to break down fat into ketones for energy, but too fast for the body to handle. A buildup of ketones can change your blood chemistry and poison you. You could fall into a coma.
How do you feel when blood sugar is high? ›
Symptoms of high blood sugar
feeling very thirsty. peeing a lot. feeling weak or tired. blurred vision.
Recommended finger: the World Health Organisation recommends the middle or ring fingers are used for blood glucose tests (second and third fingers). You may want to avoid using your little finger due to the skin being thin.
What is the 15 15 rule in diabetes? ›The 15-15 Rule
Once it's in range, eat a nutritious meal or snack to ensure it doesn't get too low again. If you have low blood sugar between 55-69 mg/dL, you can treat it with the 15-15 rule: have 15 grams of carbs. Check it after 15 minutes. Repeat if you're still below your target range.
Without a diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes, it should take one to two hours for a blood sugar spike to come down. You can opt for a walk or a workout to accelerate the process.
Does high blood sugar make you sleepy? ›Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of high blood sugar. In people with diabetes, it is referred to as diabetes fatigue. Many people with the condition feel tired all the time regardless of how well they sleep, how healthily they eat, or how much they exercise on a regular basis.
Why is my blood sugar so high when I'm not eating any carbs? ›While protein typically has very little effect on blood glucose, in the absence of carbohydrates (such as a low carb meal) or insulin, it can raise blood glucose. Many individuals with diabetes who eat carb-free meals will take a bit of insulin to cover the difference.
Can glucose be high without diabetes? ›Nondiabetic hyperglycemia means your blood glucose (sugar) level is high even though you do not have diabetes. Hyperglycemia may happen suddenly during a major illness or injury. Instead, hyperglycemia may happen over a longer period of time and be caused by a chronic disease.
Why is my blood sugar high in the morning when I haven't eaten anything? ›The dawn phenomenon
In the early hours of the morning, hormones, including cortisol and growth hormone, signal the liver to boost the production of glucose, which provides energy that helps you wake up. This triggers beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin in order to keep blood glucose levels in check.
A: Drinking apple cider vinegar at bedtime can help diabetic people control their blood glucose levels. A diabetic patient should take one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in warm water before sleep. It can also aid in the regulation of fasting blood sugar levels in the morning.
Does your blood sugar go down when you sleep? ›Research also shows that glucose levels decrease by an average of 5% during REM sleep compared to non-REM sleep stages, which may contribute to periodic dips seen at night in nondiabetic people. In fact, healthy people who have glucose dips below 70 mg/dl have twice as many dips at night compared to the day.
Can walking cure diabetes? ›
Research studies have shown that walking can be beneficial in bringing down blood glucose and therefore improving diabetes control. In a study involving people with type 1 diabetes, participants were assigned to either take a 30 minute walk after eating or have the same meal but remain inactive.
Why wont my blood sugar come down? ›Large meals high in both carbohydrates and fat
Eating a large meal that is high in both carbohydrates, which are metabolized relatively quickly, and fats, which take more time to digest, can cause a prolonged elevation in blood glucose.
While protein typically has very little effect on blood glucose, in the absence of carbohydrates (such as a low carb meal) or insulin, it can raise blood glucose. Many individuals with diabetes who eat carb-free meals will take a bit of insulin to cover the difference.
Can anything other than diabetes cause high blood sugar? ›Nondiabetic hyperglycemia means your blood glucose (sugar) level is high even though you do not have diabetes. Hyperglycemia may happen suddenly during a major illness or injury. Instead, hyperglycemia may happen over a longer period of time and be caused by a chronic disease.
Does stress raise blood glucose? ›Stress hormones have a big role to play. When you're experiencing physical or emotional stress, hormones are released that increase your blood sugar. Cortisol and adrenaline are other primary hormones involved. This is a perfectly natural response.
When should a diabetic go to the hospital for high blood sugar? ›For adults, if you start to feel drowsy or disoriented or if your blood sugar continues to rise, for example, above 20.0 mmol/L, call 911 or other emergency services immediately. It's best to have someone with you if your blood sugar is this elevated so that the person can call for you.
What foods lower blood sugar immediately? ›- Oats.
- Beans and lentils.
- Salmon and other fatty fish.
- Eggs.
- Nuts and nut butters.
- Seeds and seed butters.
- Unsweetened yogurt and kefir.
- Fermented vegetables.
glucose. Mild to moderate levels of dehydration—especially during hot weather, intense exercise, or illness (diarrhea or vomiting)—can easily spike your blood sugar 50 to 100 mg/dL or higher.
When is the best time to check your blood sugar? ›Checking your blood sugar levels often and recording the results will tell you how well you are managing your diabetes so you can stay as healthy as possible. The best times to check your blood sugar are before meals and at bedtime. Your blood sugar meter may have software to help you track your blood sugar level.
How can I stabilize my blood sugar overnight? ›A high-protein, low-fat snack before bed may help people with diabetes stabilize their blood sugar levels overnight. Everyone's blood sugar levels change throughout the night. In people with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, these fluctuations can cause high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, in the morning.
What are the side effects of metformin? ›
- Feeling sick (nausea) Take metformin with food to reduce the chances of feeling sick. ...
- Being sick (vomiting) Take small, frequent sips of water or squash to avoid dehydration. ...
- Diarrhoea. ...
- Stomach ache. ...
- Loss of appetite. ...
- A metallic taste in the mouth.
Illness and infections, as well as other forms of stress, can raise your blood glucose (sugar) levels. As part of the body's defence mechanism for fighting illness and infection, more glucose is released into the blood stream. This can happen even if you're off your food or eating less than usual.
How do you feel if your blood sugar is high? ›- increased thirst and a dry mouth.
- needing to pee frequently.
- tiredness.
- blurred vision.
- unintentional weight loss.
- recurrent infections, such as thrush, bladder infections (cystitis) and skin infections.
Some studies suggest that drinking coffee — whether caffeinated and decaffeinated — may actually reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you already have diabetes, however, the impact of caffeine on insulin action may be associated with higher or lower blood sugar levels.
Why is my blood sugar high in the morning when I haven't eaten anything? ›The dawn phenomenon
In the early hours of the morning, hormones, including cortisol and growth hormone, signal the liver to boost the production of glucose, which provides energy that helps you wake up. This triggers beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin in order to keep blood glucose levels in check.
Yes, emotions can affect your blood sugar. Anxiety, fear, even that happy feeling you had when you got that new job can be stressful sometimes. When we're stressed – whether it's physical stress or mental stress – our bodies produce hormones such as cortisol that can raise blood glucose even if we haven't eaten.
What foods cause high blood sugar? ›In general, foods that cause blood sugar level to rise the most are those that are high in carbohydrates, which are quickly converted into energy, such as rice, bread, fruits and sugar. Next are foods high in protein, such as meats, fish eggs, milk and dairy products, and oily foods.