Often patients get very frustrated because even if they are eating healthier and smaller amounts, blood sugars may still not be controlled. Why is it so hard to control blood sugars? Our bodies are wonderful machines that can modify and adjust to different situations when is working the way it was design to do. For patients with diabetes, is up to them to control several factors and adjust medication, exercise and food.
Factors that can affect blood sugars
According to one of my favorite blogs, diatribe.org there are about 22+ factors that affect blood sugars. Many of which come to us easily such as carbohydrates, amount of food, protein and alcohol. Some that are not as obvious such as inaccurate blood sugar readings and expired insulin. Patient with diabetes need to realize that they will not have perfect blood sugar numbers and that fluctuations are part of living diabetes. Living with diabetes is hard, the only thing healthcare professionals and patients can expect is for them to try their best.
Change your mind setting
Change the way you think about living with diabetes, instead of thinking about all the foods you should avoid think about eating healthy to become healthier. Instead of thinking about exercise as a chore to control blood sugars, think about exercise as a way of becoming heathier and feeling better. Think about medication as another way to feel better and preventing diseases like brushing your teeth to prevent cavities or washing your hands to prevent spread of colds or flu.
Medications and Blood sugars
We know the medications and insulin used to treat diabetes affect blood sugars. Tthere are other medications that can affect the way you respond to sugars.
Statins: medications for cholesterol can increase blood sugars and can increase risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Most experts think that the benefits of reducing cardiovascular complications outweigh the risks for most patients.
Vitamin B12: metformin, first line medication for type 2 diabetes can interfere with absorbing vitamin B12. Your Doctor or health care provider can test your level and let you know if you need to take vitamin B 12. The American diabetes Associations guideline recommend testing for vitamin B12 once a year. Low Vitamin B12 can lead to Vitamin B12 anemia which is a lack of healthy red blood cells caused when you have lower than normal amounts of certain vitamins. Vitamins linked to vitamin deficiency anemia include folate, vitamin B-12 and vitamin C
Beta blockers: (metoprolol, atenolol, nadolol, carvedilol) Can mask symptoms of low blood sugars like fast heartbeat, sweating or anxiety. Niacin might increase blood sugar. People with diabetes who take niacin should check their blood sugar carefully.
Steroids: like prednisone, can increase blood sugars and lead to weight gain. Weight gain can lead to higher blood sugars.
Niacin: a form of B3, can increase blood sugars.
Diuretics: like furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide, don’t lead to higher blood sugars but increase the risk of dehydration in patients who have high blood sugars leading to more problems.
Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels have been correlated to uncontrolled diabetes, your doctor or health care provider can check your vitamin D level and recommend replacement if levels are low. There is enough evidence to show that low levels of vitamin D make it hard to control blood sugars.
Herbals:
Many herbals do not have enough information regarding drug interactions and actual effects.
• Aloe Vera drinks can sometimes enhance low blood sugars.
• Stinging Nettle can drop blood sugars, sometimes fast. This is also a natural diuretic, see above.
• Goldenseal, asparagus extract, dandelion, green tea and Matcha tea are natural diuretics, see above.
• Spirulina and chlorophyll usually added to green drinks are said to reduce blood sugars after weeks of use.
• The following have all been reported to decrease blood sugars, again not enough data to verify claims. Fernugreek, Gymmena sylvestre, bitter melon extract, stinging nettle, myrrh, marshmallow, alfalfa, holy basil, alpha-lipoic acid.
Taking supplements is not recommended unless prescribed by your doctor or health provider. Getting all your nutrients from your diet is the prefer way.
Weight and Exercise:
Insulin resistance can make it hard to control blood sugars. The higher your weight the more insulin resistance you have. Insulin resistance can be o your indigenous (own) insulin or the insulin you inject, requiring more insulin to work. Higher body weight can lead to increased insulin resistance. This is a complex topic and how weight makes you more resistance is not well understood. What we know is that losing weight, as little as 7% can lead to better blood sugar control. Patients on insulin who have uncontrolled blood sugars may need more insulin or adjustment of when and how much insulin to inject.
Always consult your doctor, your health care provider, pharmacist or certified diabetes educator for help controlling blood sugars.
