Why does my sugar vary from day to day

Hi Maria
I am a newbie and I am sure more experienced members will post with more info.
I have found that BG levels do change a lot, I keep a diary of mine nd noticed that I can tell when I am about to get a cold or virus (BG levels go up) and I can track my monthly cycle s BG levels raise a few days before.

Things like hydration levels also make a big difference to BG readings, and stress makes my BG levels raise.

I notice that on work days (testing at 5.45am) my BG levels are typically less than 5, but on weekends or days off when I test much later (7 - 8am) then BG levels are much higher. I have assumed this is a liver dump getting reading for day ahead (search for Dawn Phenomenon in the forums).

Our bodies are very complex and so even if we ate same things at same time every day we would still get different readings.

After lots of testing i found a few things that made a difference to me (but everyone is different) I no longer have any caffine after about 2pm (so hard in early days ;-) I test about an hour before bed and have a small piece of cheese if my BG is low for me (less than 4.0).

Hope that helps

A million and one reasons. Liver dump, what we ate the day before, time of the month, stress, illness, the list is endless. Illness such as a cold sends mine haywire. Hope this reassures - basically you're normal!

Hmmmm I wonder if my lower levels this week are due to the fact that I'm not at work? Could be. I never thought of that.


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peacetrain said:

Hmmmm I wonder if my lower levels this week are due to the fact that I'm not at work? Could be. I never thought of that.


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As exercise is also a major factor, perhaps you are more active when not at work?

Scimama said:

Things like hydration levels also make a big difference to BG readings, and stress makes my BG levels raise.

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This one caught my attention and wondered if someone could elaborate?
Am a right in assuming the more water we drink the better the blood sugar levels or is there more to it?
I certainly don't drink huge amounts and certainly don't have super tight control.

Thanks
Adie

Adrian1981 said:

This one caught my attention and wondered if someone could elaborate?
Am a right in assuming the more water we drink the better the blood sugar levels or is there more to it?
I certainly don't drink huge amounts and certainly don't have super tight control.

Thanks
Adie

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Hi Adie
as I mentioned in my post, from my experience I find my BG levels raise with stress and can be affected by dehydration.

There are very few studies on this, most seem to be for sports nutrition and performance. Lots of the studies use carbohydrate containing solutions in their studies.
But there are a couple of studies such as:
Diabetes vol 22, no 4, 1973, Reported that rats deprived of water showed a rise in blood glucose levels compared to a control group of rats, to levels 28 and 33 mg/100ml greater than the control. Dehydrated rats had significantly higher blood glucose levels at 60 and 120 minutes.


Obviously humans are different to rats are we all react differently, I would suggest you monitor your own body to see what happens, try drinking more water for a day or two. Do you notice higher or lower levels on hot days?

Scimama said:

Obviously humans are different to rats are we all react differently, I would suggest you monitor your own body to see what happens, try drinking more water for a day or two. Do you notice higher or lower levels on hot days?

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Ok thanks for that information, an interesting read.

I find my blood sugars are normally lower on warmer days. Not sure if this is because I drink more or the fact that I get hot and bothered doing things jobs/work , which could be classed as a form of stress.

I will certainly try it and see what happens.

Thanks again
Adrian

AndBreathe said:

As exercise is also a major factor, perhaps you are more active when not at work?

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Not really. I have the same exercise regime in the evening. I'm slobbing out this week whereas I'm usually on my feet a lot - I'm a primary school teacher - ages 5 to 6. Say no more!


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peacetrain said:

Not really. I have the same exercise regime in the evening. I'm slobbing out this week whereas I'm usually on my feet a lot - I'm a primary school teacher - ages 5 to 6. Say no more!


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Oh my goodness! When I have volunteered to help on an activity or trip with my 6year old my stress levels after half a day are so high! It would be really interesting to plot your BG levels as a factor of school term vs 'holidays'. I know teachers work during the holidays too but I reckon it would show an effect from the children.

I'm quite cool in class usually but this year the children are an unusual bunch! I love 'em really. Tomorrow I'm visiting the venue for our annual school trip in order to carry out a risk assessment. We're going pond dipping and carrying out a melanin east hunt in the woods. I'm hoping there's a high risk of losing a few of the little dears on the day ;-) . . . Only joking!!!


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