Glucose is an essential nutrient for the body, as it acts as fuel for cells, muscles, and the brain. It comes from the carbohydrates we include in our diet. However, in excess, it can lead to various problems that can seriously affect our health and overall well-being.
In this context, Carlos Parra, a nephrologist and health educator on social media, shared a video on TikTok where he outlines three reasons why blood sugar levels may increase without any apparent cause, even when both diet and medical treatment are being followed correctly.
“People ask me, ‘Doctor, if I follow my diet and take my medications, why did my blood sugar suddenly spike the other day for no apparent reason?’ These are the three reasons why that happens,” the healthcare professional explains. He adds that this is a situation that “can happen”: “A person with diabetes can have their blood sugar rise because of these three factors, even if they haven’t stopped their medication and haven’t eaten foods with carbohydrates or sugar.”
First, Carlos Parra talks about “medications known as steroids,” emphasizing those that end in “-one”: “These are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that are often hidden in certain medications or included because their effect is to reduce inflammation. Because they are steroids, with chronic use or even with a single high dose, they can raise both blood sugar and blood pressure,” he explains.
Hidden infections and syrups: key factors to consider
“The second cause would be having any type of hidden infection,” the nephrologist continues, then explains what can happen in these cases: “You may experience unexplained hypoglycemia or, on the other hand, unexplained spikes in blood sugar. You should check whether you have a cavity, a diabetic foot issue, or even a simple urinary tract infection.”
To conclude his list, the healthcare professional refers to liquid medications, such as syrups, that many people take to treat issues like coughs or the flu: “Instead of tablets, you’re given syrups, and all syrups contain a high amount of sugar, which is why they taste sweet. As long as something tastes sweet, it will raise your blood sugar,” he concludes.
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