If your parent has been diagnosed with diabetes, you probably know how important it is to maintain steady levels of blood glucose. However, what you might not know is what can cause blood glucose to rise and fall. Knowing how certain things affect blood glucose can help you to better assist them to keep levels under control.
Things that Cause Blood Glucose to Rise
There are several foods or situations that can cause your parent’s blood glucose to spike, and some of them are surprising. Here are a few:
- Sugar-Free Candy: Although sugar-free candies are a better option than regular candies, they can still cause a rise in blood glucose due to carbohydrates from starches. It’s important to check the nutritional label and balance the carbs with the rest of the day’s foods.
- Dehydration: When the body becomes dehydrated, the blood sugar being circulated through the body becomes more concentrated, causing levels to rise.
- Bagels: Bagels have far more carbohydrates than bread, so if your parent enjoys bagels for breakfast, try switching to mini bagels instead.
- Dried Fruit: Dried fruits contain more carbohydrates than their fresh counterparts. Two tablespoons of dried raisins contain as many carbs as eating a small piece of fresh fruit.
- Sleeplessness: Not getting enough sleep places stress on the body, which raises blood glucose.
- Cold Medicine: Certain cold medicines contain sugar or alcohol, both of which raise levels. Ask the pharmacist for products that are diabetes friendly.
Things that Cause Blood Glucose to Fall
There are lots of things that can help to lower blood glucose levels. Some of them are:
- Housekeeping Chores: Physical activity helps to reduce glucose levels, and household tasks count as physical activity. The movement required to vacuum the living room or rake the yard are considered moderate activity.
- Yogurt: Yogurts contain healthy bacteria that improve digestion, which can also lower blood glucose. However, read the nutrient label and take note of the sugars and carbs.
- Cinnamon: Research shows that cinnamon may help the body to better use insulin and lower blood glucose. It’s also a great way to add flavor without increasing calories or sugar.
Hiring a home care provider can help your parent to maintain better control of blood glucose levels. A home care provider can prepare healthy foods and snacks to avoid spikes. They can also encourage your parent to exercise and engage in other activities that lower blood glucose. Home care providers can also remind your parent to check their levels and to take medications.
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/daily-control-17/slideshow-blood-sugar-swings
https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/symptoms/surprising-causes-of-blood-sugar-swings/
If you or an aging senior are considering hiring in-homecare in Denton, TX, please contact the caring staff at Ray of Sunshine today! (940) 442-5374.
At the same time, she and her husband were faced with the care of his father on the west coast which presented the unique challenges of long-distance care. These events led to a crash course in the senior care industry and her unending dedication to helping seniors and families in similar circumstances. When not working Cynthia enjoys cooking, gardening and traveling with a focus on visiting State and National Parks.
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