5 Things You Never Knew Could Raise Your Blood Sugar -- And They're Not Food!

You don't have to have diabetes in order to keep an eye on your blood sugar level. It's a good idea for anyone, but particularly if you have diabetes. Diet is very important, but there are other factors that can also raise your blood sugar level, and they have nothing to do with what you eat.


Check out these 5 factors that can raise blood sugar levels

1. Skipping breakfast - according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, men who skip breakfast have a 21 percent higher chance of getting diabetes than those who eat breakfast. Both men and women who skip breakfast will have a spike in insulin after eating lunch. Breakfast tends to stabilize blood sugar throughout the day. Don't skip it.
2. Cold and flu - yes, even having a cold or the flu will raise the sugar level in your blood. Drink plenty of fluids, but make sure it's non-caffeinated, non-sugar beverages.
3. Not getting enough sleep - skimping on the number of hours you sleep each night adds stress on the body, and stress increases blood sugar levels.
4. Smoking - people who smoke have an increased risk for higher blood sugar levels which can increase the risk of serious diabetes complications, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure, according to a study by the California State Polytechnic University.
5. Meds - medications taken for asthma, cholesterol, and diuretics can raise blood sugar levels. If you need to be on these medications, check your blood sugar levels more often.

To find out more about factors that can increase blood sugar, visit www.rd.com/slideshows/blood-sugar-levels/#slideshow=slide1