Can an infection raise your blood sugar?

We all know that high blood sugar levels can be a sign of diabetes, but did you know that infections can also cause your blood sugar to spike? It’s true! In this article, we’ll explore the connection between infections and elevated blood sugar levels.

What is Blood Sugar?

Before we dive into the relationship between infections and high blood sugar, let’s first define what blood sugar is. Blood sugar, or glucose, is the primary source of energy for our bodies. It comes from the foods we eat and gets transported through our bloodstream to fuel our cells.

How Do We Regulate Blood Sugar Levels?

The body has a complex system in place to help regulate blood sugar levels so that they don’t get too high or too low. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into our cells where it can be used as energy.

On the other hand, glucagon signals for stored glucose in our liver to be released back into circulation if our blood sugar levels drop too low.

Additionally,glycogen– which is essentially just stored glucose -can also release its stores when needed; this happens more often during extraneous exercise. A combination of insulin resistance (when body tissues become resistant to insulin)and impaired beta cell function (the cells responsible for making insulin) are contributing factors associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes development.

How Can Infections Impact Blood Sugar Levels?

When we have an infection—whether it be viral or bacterial—our immune system goes on full attack mode. This response requires a lot of energy resulting in increased production of certain hormones like cortisol and epinephrine /or adrenaline among others/ . Unfortunately,cortisol + epinophrine may decrease sensitivity towards insulin thus causing higher amounts elvated ammounts upregulated production), leading to excess circulating sugars.

Additionally, during an infection our liver begins to produce more glucose as part of the body’s natural response. This extra glucose production combined with decreased insulin sensitivity can lead to temporary spikes in blood sugar levels.

Types of Infections That May Affect Blood Sugar Levels

Not all infections will have an effect on one’s glycemic control. Often ,though, those that promote lesser amount of inflammation wouldn’t not impact it as much; rather those causing marked increase in inflammation and cortisol signaling via brain can have a significant impact on your metabolic markers . Here are four types of infections best believe nobody wants to contact:

1. Respiratory Infections: pneumonia or even the well-known flu may cause high stress hormone release rising fibrinogen /an inflammatory marker/ adding pressure to your vasculature .

2. Any Form Of Gut Distress : Research studies shows gut microbiome influence many important aspects including absorption rates ; Any form of GI related illnesses such as candida outbreaks also do not help matters since they tend towards high level carbohydrate consumption 😒!

3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Though UTI has minor effects om metabolic health directly but repeated episodes often suggests weakened immunity which will likely compromise long term management goals.

4. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): While vulnerable populations are at higher risk due poorer immunity, certain STD’s damage internal structures such like pancreas- this may indirectly spur elevated HbA1c test results.

You should remember these conditions aren’t the only ones capable of screwing up blood sugar therefore whenever you notice abnormal levels go for a thorough diagnosis by qualified personnel without delay.

Who is at Risk?

While anyone can experience fluctuations in their blood sugar levels when infected,this may be further exacerbated by pre-existing medical conditions.Some examples include…

Diabetes Patients – Type I & II

Individuals who live with diabetes are already managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and often medication. Infections can cause disruptions to their carefully balanced management leading to further need for reassessment/more vigilant monitoring.

Reduced Immunity

Though this is not necessarily a standalone risk factor alone but the more susceptible you are to falling ill, oftentimes making lifestyle changes will help matters (if its avoidable) – exercising/eating well

Pre Diabetes Patients

When Hba1c readings begin inching closer to pre-diabetic ranges , its only important we take note; it usually means that insulin resistance pathways start contributing moreso in elevated glucose readings than was previously believed- regular infections may then become an additional contributor towards type 2
diabetes development.

Signs That Your Blood Sugar May Be Elevated Due To An Infection

So how can you tell if your infection is impacting your blood sugar? While these symptoms do not rule out other causes of raised glucose readings they should nonetheless alert you;

• Frequent urination /polyuria .

• Unusual Thirst

• Feeling tired or fatigued energy depletion.

• Blurred Vision

If any of above shows up along with active signs/symptoms of having contracted illness seek medical care immediately.

How Can You Lower Your Blood Sugar If It’s Elevated?

While preventing common infections comes high on list priorities person needs also take steps against severe cases aswell ; Here’s what one could implement ;

1. Observe Diet: Get rid first thing refined carbs from meal plans.Particularly the ones done processing such than necessary anytime regularly.

2. Engage Physical Activities Regularly : At least thirty minutes daily at heart healthy rate; hence allow carbohydrate uptake into activated muscles ensuring insulin sensitivity.Longer durations ( depending on fitness level) gets even better end results !

3. Stress Management Techniques: anyone reading this knows state-controlled stress leads toroutines getting interrupted due change hormonal balance ( hello cortisol and adrenaline!).Practice calming or breathing exercises regularly, get quality sleep and live in healthy habits

4. Medication Management: Where needed/irreversibledisease situation exists, follow prescription regimes as directed- do not self medicate stop/start doses on impulse.

Conclusion

While an infection is causing a temporary spike in blood sugar levels , it requires timely review ( lest complications arise )Notably if the individual has already been diagnosed with diabetes experiencing infections need more monitoring .Make lifestyle changes regardless of disease status to foster stronger immunity that can help ward off severer forms like hospital-acquired MRSA. The key takeaway remains paying prompt attention especially when you start noticing your body acting less than normal.

So there you have it! Your why’s and how’s about infected induced hyperglycemia.You may be amazed while sending starry-eyed texts to family members sharing newfound knowledge but don’t forget… this is no medical advice.Get some professional assistance from qualified provider before making major health decisions.Stay healthy everyone!

Best Of Health To All