Did You Know It's not just about what you eat? A myriad of factors can influence your blood Sugar

Desmond Croker

Sep 12 2023

5 Min. Read

Reviewed by

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September 12 2023

Diabetes

Lifestyle

Self Care

Managing blood sugar isn't just about what you eat. Numerous factors can influence your blood sugar levels, and it's crucial to understand and address them. Diabetes is a complex condition, and it affects people differently.

However, with the proper knowledge, support, and guidance, you can significantly improve your quality of life while reducing healthcare costs and complications.

During our last webinar, we explored the various factors affecting blood sugar levels beyond dietary intake. 

Often, when people think about blood sugar management, the immediate focus is on what to eat and what not to eat. 

However, it's crucial to recognise that many factors beyond food consumption can influence blood sugar levels.

One surprising factor that can impact blood sugar levels is exercise. While exercise is known to help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity, intense and prolonged exercise can be seen as an emergency by the body. 

In such situations, stress hormones are released, causing blood sugar levels to rise to provide the body with extra energy. So, it's important to strike a balance in your exercise routine to prevent excessive blood sugar spikes.

Medications can also play a significant role in blood sugar regulation. Some medications, like steroids, beta blockers, and diuretics, can either raise or lower blood sugar levels. It's essential to be aware of how your medications interact with your blood sugar and consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Hormones, particularly the ones related to sleep and stress, can influence blood sugar levels. Hormones released during the dawn phenomenon, menstrual cycle fluctuations, or menopause can all contribute to elevated blood sugar.

Stress, whether from illness, emotional factors, or even lack of sleep, triggers the release of stress hormones that can cause blood sugar to rise.

Alcohol and caffeine consumption can also affect blood sugar levels. Initially, alcohol may lower blood sugar, but continued consumption can stress the body and lead to increased blood sugar.

Caffeine, being a stimulant, can also put stress on the body, potentially leading to blood sugar fluctuations.

Other factors that can impact blood sugar include being overweight, smoking, dehydration, and certain medical conditions like injury or pain.

Additionally, the rate at which food leaves the stomach, known as gastric emptying, can influence blood sugar levels. Refined foods, which digest quickly, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, while complex carbohydrates slow down the process.

Understanding the timing of medication is crucial for effective blood sugar management. Knowing when your medication is most effective can help coordinate your meals for optimal results. For instance, if your medication peaks four hours after taking it, plan your meals around that time.

Despite the prevalence of diabetes and its potential complications, access to diabetes self-management education remains limited. 

Diabetes self-management programs empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications. Unfortunately, less than 7% of people with diabetes have access to such programs due to various systemic challenges.

Annie's Memorial Chronic Disease Education Center (AMCEC) aims to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive diabetes education and support. Founded in memory of Annie Agatha Croker, AMCEC's mission is to empower individuals along their diabetes journey, offering both education and prevention services.

Globally, the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, with millions of people affected. In North America and the Caribbean alone, approximately 48 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, highlighting the urgent need for effective diabetes management strategies.

Diabetes self-management education has been proven to be a highly effective approach to managing diabetes and reducing the risk of complications. 

Despite its success, the majority of individuals with diabetes lack access to these vital programs. AMCEC seeks to change this by providing individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to take control of their diabetes and lead healthier lives

At Amcec Health, we are dedicated to helping individuals take control of their diabetes and overall health. Our approach is rooted in personalised care, education, and ongoing support. 

Here's a brief overview of our diabetes self-management program:

1. Personalised Assessment : We believe that diabetes management should be tailored to your specific needs because what affects your blood sugar may differ from someone else's experience. Through an individualized assessment, we identify your unique challenges and needs.
2. Comprehensive Education : Our program starts with a strong educational foundation. We provide you with essential knowledge about diabetes, medications, nutrition, and all aspects of diabetes management. Understanding how various factors impact your blood sugar is crucial.
3. Coping Strategies : Living with diabetes can be overwhelming, especially when juggling medication, dietary changes, and exercise routines. We offer strategies to help you cope with these challenges effectively, ensuring you don't become despondent or weary in your journey.
4. Skill Development : We equip you with essential skills for self-monitoring and decision-making. This knowledge empowers you to make daily choices that positively impact your blood sugar levels without needing constant input from healthcare professionals.
5. Group Support : Building a support network is vital for successful diabetes management. We encourage you to join or form support groups. These communities provide invaluable emotional support, motivation, and practical advice to help you overcome obstacles.
6. Ongoing Support : Diabetes management is not a one-time event; it's a journey. Our program can last from three months to a year or more, depending on your unique needs. We provide continuous support, helping you navigate any challenges that may arise along the way.

For those at risk of developing diabetes, our diabetes prevention program offers valuable insights into lifestyle changes that can prevent its onset. Prevention is always more cost-effective and less burdensome than managing complications later on.

Now, you might be wondering about the cost of our services. The investment in your health through our diabetes self-management program can range from $500 to $1500 USD, depending on the duration and comprehensiveness of your care.

 While this may seem like an expense, it pales compared to the costs associated with diabetes-related complications, hospital visits, and medications. Moreover, the convenience and peace of mind that come from managing your health effectively are priceless.

Our program can cost between $300 to USD 800 for those with prediabetes. This investment is a long-term saving that reduces hospital visits, medication costs, and increases your overall work productivity and independence.

Our program includes an initial free consultation, mindset building, education sessions, skills development workshops, and ongoing support. Additionally, we offer a 50% discount for those who signs up and follow up via our website.

To access our services, you can book your free initial assessment through our website or contact us via telephone or WhatsApp. We also maintain an active presence on social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

In closing, we encourage you to take control of your health, one step at a time. Diabetes management is achievable with the right guidance and support. Whether you're newly diagnosed, experiencing complications, undergoing treatment changes, or facing life transitions, our program is designed to meet your specific needs. Join our community and embark on a journey towards a healthier future. Your health is worth the investment. Thank you for your time, and we look forward to helping you on your path to better health. You can sign up for our free 30-minute diabetes counselling and assessment with this link.