Cutting sugar isn’t always enough to lower blood sugar levels
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 03, 2025, 00:44 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives, TOIGLOBAL )
Individuals experiencing high blood sugar despite cutting refined sugar may be overlooking hidden factors. Experts highlight excessive consumption of even healthy carbohydrates, high-glycemic foods, stress, and poor sleep as significant contributors. Underlying conditions like insulin resistance and inconsistent medication adherence can also exacerbate the issue, necessitating a comprehensive management approach.
Despite eliminating refined sugar from their diets, many individuals continue to experience elevated blood sugar levels, a phenomenon that has puzzled both patients and healthcare professionals. Experts now point to several less obvious factors beyond sugary foods that can contribute to this issue.
According to Edwina Raj, head of clinical nutrition and dietetics at Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, excessive consumption of carbohydrates—even those considered healthy—can raise glucose levels. Fruits, whole grains, and natural sweeteners like honey and jaggery, when consumed in large quantities, may cause blood sugar spikes. Dr. Archana Juneja, consultant endocrinologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, adds that high-glycemic foods such as white rice, bread, fruit juices, packaged cereals, and starchy vegetables convert rapidly into glucose, contributing to elevated blood sugar.
Beyond diet, stress and sleep patterns also play a crucial role. Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can significantly raise blood sugar. Lack of adequate sleep further impairs insulin sensitivity, making it difficult for the body to regulate glucose effectively.
Underlying medical conditions may also be a factor. Insulin resistance, commonly associated with Type 2 diabetes, prevents cells from absorbing sugar properly. Hormonal imbalances and obesity, defined by a body mass index over 23 or waist measurements exceeding 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men, can exacerbate the problem. Inconsistent medication adherence may also lead to poor glucose control.
Experts recommend a comprehensive approach to managing blood sugar. This includes monitoring carbohydrate intake carefully, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress through mindfulness or yoga, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and adhering to prescribed medications. The use of glucose monitoring devices can help individuals understand how different foods affect their blood sugar, allowing for more personalized dietary adjustments.
Physicians emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare providers to develop individualized strategies tailored to each patient’s unique medical needs. As the complexity of blood sugar regulation becomes clearer, addressing these hidden factors is essential to effective diabetes management.
According to Edwina Raj, head of clinical nutrition and dietetics at Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, excessive consumption of carbohydrates—even those considered healthy—can raise glucose levels. Fruits, whole grains, and natural sweeteners like honey and jaggery, when consumed in large quantities, may cause blood sugar spikes. Dr. Archana Juneja, consultant endocrinologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, adds that high-glycemic foods such as white rice, bread, fruit juices, packaged cereals, and starchy vegetables convert rapidly into glucose, contributing to elevated blood sugar.
Beyond diet, stress and sleep patterns also play a crucial role. Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can significantly raise blood sugar. Lack of adequate sleep further impairs insulin sensitivity, making it difficult for the body to regulate glucose effectively.
Underlying medical conditions may also be a factor. Insulin resistance, commonly associated with Type 2 diabetes, prevents cells from absorbing sugar properly. Hormonal imbalances and obesity, defined by a body mass index over 23 or waist measurements exceeding 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men, can exacerbate the problem. Inconsistent medication adherence may also lead to poor glucose control.
Experts recommend a comprehensive approach to managing blood sugar. This includes monitoring carbohydrate intake carefully, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress through mindfulness or yoga, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and adhering to prescribed medications. The use of glucose monitoring devices can help individuals understand how different foods affect their blood sugar, allowing for more personalized dietary adjustments.
Physicians emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare providers to develop individualized strategies tailored to each patient’s unique medical needs. As the complexity of blood sugar regulation becomes clearer, addressing these hidden factors is essential to effective diabetes management.