Many individuals diagnosed with high blood sugar often eliminate pastries, sugary drinks, and bubble tea from their diets. However, simply cutting out sweets may not stabilize blood sugar levels for the reasons outlined below.

One common cause of elevated blood sugar is consuming too many carbohydrates. According to Times of India, the body doesn't only get glucose from direct sugar intake; carbohydrate-rich foods such as white rice, vermicelli, pho, and bread also produce glucose upon digestion, causing blood sugar to rise. Refined carbohydrates, in particular, are digested quickly, leading to a rapid influx of glucose into the bloodstream. Instead of just removing sweets, individuals should pay attention to the portion and quality of carbohydrates consumed throughout the day.

Another significant reason for persistently high blood sugar, even with limited sugar intake, is insulin resistance. This condition occurs when cells respond poorly to insulin, making it difficult for glucose to move from the bloodstream into cells for energy. Consequently, the body must produce more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. If this condition persists, the pancreas may struggle to meet the demand, leading to glucose accumulation in the blood. Insulin resistance is often associated with overweight, abdominal obesity, and diets with excess calories.

Consuming many carbohydrates can also cause blood sugar to rise. *Illustration: Bui Thuy*

Lack of physical activity also makes blood sugar difficult to lower. Muscles are key glucose consumers; during physical activity, muscles increase glucose uptake from the blood for energy. Conversely, prolonged sitting and minimal physical activity result in the body using less glucose. Therefore, even after reducing sweets, blood sugar can remain high if most of the day is spent sitting or lying down. A simple habit like a short walk after meals can help muscles utilize glucose effectively. In the long term, maintaining regular physical activity also supports improved insulin sensitivity.

Lack of sleep or prolonged stress causes the body to release more cortisol and adrenaline, prompting the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream to meet energy demands during stressful periods. Consequently, even with a balanced diet, individuals who frequently stay up late or experience chronic stress may find it difficult to control their blood sugar, according to Verywell Health.

Finally, certain medical conditions and medications can cause blood sugar to rise, even if the patient has limited sweets. Infections and endocrine disorders can increase cortisol and adrenaline, stimulating the liver to release glucose into the blood. Pancreatic diseases can also affect insulin production, making blood sugar difficult to control. Many other medications can also make it challenging for the body to manage blood sugar, depending on the individual case. If blood sugar remains consistently high despite dietary adjustments, patients should consult a doctor to identify the cause and review their current medications, rather than discontinuing them independently.

Le Nguyen (Compiled)