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5 Surprising Things That Can Raise Your Blood Sugar That Aren’t Food

While we often point finger on certain foods for raising blood sugar levels, it's equally important to be mindful of other factors that can cause glucose spikes. Dr. Amir Khan, General Practitioner, National Health Service (NHS), carefully breaks down several non-food-related triggers that can impact your blood sugar and why it might not be always a bad thing.

Written By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe
Published : August 4, 2025 8:04 AM IST

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Cortisol Management: Daily Habits That Can Silently Spike Cortisol Levels

When you are stressed your body releases cortisol, the fight of flight hormone that tells your body to release stored glucose to give you energy. The doctor expresses concern that chronic stress is equal to chronic glucose level spike and that is not good for long-term health.

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Poor Sleep

One bad night can make your body more insulin resistant. This means glucose hangs around in the blood for longer and over time, poor sleep can increase your risk of developing type two diabetes, even if you try your best to eat well.

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Intense And Resistance Training

Even a good staff like exercise, such as intense and resistance training, can temporarily increase your blood sugar level; however, long-term exercise can improve your insulin sensitivity.

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Infection Or Illnesses

Dr. Khan says that when your body is fighting for a bug, your immune system ramps up and that comes with a glucose surge. Athough insulin resistance may temporarily increase, it usually returns to normal once you recover.

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Period

Menstrual cycle can also increase your sugar level. Dr Khan says that during the luteal phase, the progesterone levels rise. These changes can make your body more insulin resistant, which is why women in their 40s and 50s notice weight, fatigue, and brain fog, due to a blood sugar shift.