5 Surprising Things That Spike Your Blood Sugar

Managing your diabetes takes effort and energy. You eat right, exercise regularly, and keep an eye on your blood sugar levels to avoid complications. But even when you do everything you're supposed to, your blood sugar still might spike unexpectedly. Here are five surprising things that could send your levels soaring. Number one. Coffee. Even without any added sugar, your cup of Joe could be doing more harm than good. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine, causing levels to rise. Number two. Sunburns. A day at the beach sounds great, but the pain from a sunburn causes stress, and stress raises your blood sugar. Number three. Decongestant nasal spray. If your stuffed up, you may just want to ride it out. Some brands contain chemicals that trigger your liver to release sugar into your bloodstream. Number four. Gum disease can also elevate blood sugar levels. Another great reason to brush, floss, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash regularly. And finally, number five. Not getting enough sleep can affect your body's ability to use glucose, causing excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream. Watch out for these and other surprising triggers to keep your blood sugar level balanced.