Blood Sugar Spikes Despite Healthy Eating? Nutritionist Shares a Unique Case
Living with diabetes requires continuous attention to blood sugar management. Keeping glucose levels under control is important to reduce the chances of developing diabetes-related complications over time.
Food choices are an important part of diabetes care, but managing blood sugar involves more than simply cutting out sugar. What you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, and the sequence in which you consume different foods can all influence blood glucose levels. Lifestyle habits can also have a major impact.
Celebrity nutritionist Shweta Shah recently highlighted the case of a diabetic client whose blood sugar remained difficult to control despite following a seemingly healthy diet.
The client avoided sugar completely and was already taking insulin and Glycomet. Yet, her blood sugar readings continued to fluctuate and failed to stabilise.
“One of my diabetic clients used to eat very healthily, avoiding sugar in all forms. Still, her blood sugar levels were unpredictable. She was already on insulin and Glycomet, yet her sugars were not stabilising,” Shah said in an Instagram video.
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What was causing the blood sugar fluctuations?
According to Shah, several everyday habits were contributing to the problem. These included high stress levels, regularly having biscuits with tea, lengthy gaps between meals, and not consuming enough protein.
1. Stress may affect blood sugar
The client reportedly experienced high levels of stress during the day.
Stress triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can make it harder for insulin to work effectively and can prompt the body to release more glucose into the bloodstream.
Consequently, periods of prolonged or intense stress may contribute to elevated or unpredictable blood sugar levels, even when dietary choices appear healthy.
2. Tea and biscuits can add hidden carbohydrates
The client did not add sugar to her tea, but she frequently ate biscuits with it.
Biscuits often contain refined carbohydrates and added sugars, which can be quickly broken down and absorbed, potentially causing blood glucose to rise rapidly.
Having biscuits regularly, particularly when they are eaten without protein or fibre, may contribute to repeated blood sugar fluctuations.
3. Skipping meals or waiting too long to eat
Another issue was the long amount of time between meals.
Extended periods without food can contribute to low blood sugar and symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, or irritability. During these periods, the body may also release stored glucose to maintain energy levels.
After waiting too long to eat, a person may be more likely to consume a larger meal. Eating a large amount of food after a prolonged gap can then result in a significant rise in blood sugar following the meal.
4. Low protein intake
The nutritionist also pointed to inadequate protein consumption.
Protein can help slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, potentially resulting in a more gradual rise in blood glucose. Including sufficient protein in meals may therefore help support better blood sugar stability.
When meals contain too little protein, blood sugar may rise and fall more sharply.
Personalised changes made a difference
Shah said that relatively small changes tailored to the client’s routine helped improve her overall well-being.
Protein was incorporated into every meal, alongside adjustments to other dietary and lifestyle habits. The client experienced better energy levels, while her insulin requirement gradually decreased under medical supervision.
The case demonstrates that diabetes management is not necessarily limited to avoiding sugar. Daily routines, stress, meal timing, food combinations, and overall nutrition can also influence blood sugar control.
As Shah concluded, “Sometimes, it’s not just about sugar—it’s about your entire routine.”\
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