Skipping meals, especially breakfast, can lead to unstable blood sugar levels throughout the day. Irregular eating patterns can also confuse your body’s insulin response, making it harder to manage glucose levels.
Consuming large portions, particularly of high-carbohydrate or sugary foods, can cause blood sugar spikes. Consistent overeating can also lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for worsening diabetes control.
Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise helps control weight, uses up glucose as energy, and improves insulin sensitivity.
Failing to regularly check blood sugar levels can lead to a lack of understanding of how different foods and activities affect your glucose levels, making management more difficult.
Lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep can affect blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. It can also lead to increased appetite and cravings for high-carbohydrate foods.
Chronic stress can lead to higher blood glucose levels directly through the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can increase glucose levels as part of the body's fight or flight response.
Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, can cause either high or low blood sugar levels, depending on the amount consumed and if it's consumed with food. Alcohol can interfere with the liver's ability to produce glucose and mess with the effects of diabetes medications.
Smoking can increase insulin resistance and promote inflammation throughout the body. It's particularly harmful for people with diabetes as it increases the risk of complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, and poor blood flow in the limbs.