Food Foods that are high in carbohydrates (like cake, cookies, bread, sugary cereals, etc.) increase the level of sugar in the blood. Stress Stress causes the body to produce hormones that make the blood sugar go sky high!  Often, diabetics who are under a lot of stress have to take extra insulin to get rid of all that extra sugar. Illness Sometimes when diabetics are sick— even if they eat less than usual—their blood sugar level can rise.  This is because their bodies release extra sugar that has been saved up in the liver for “emergencies” like illness. Exercise If diabetics exercise really hard or for a really long time, their livers might let go of some of that extra “emergency” sugar. Early Morning To give the body enough energy to get up and start the day, the liver releases extra sugar early every morning.   This morning increase in blood sugar is called the “dawn phenomenon”. Certain Medications Some prescription and even non- prescription drugs can increase blood sugar levels.  These include steroids, thyroid medicines, birth control pills, and some “water pills” and heart pills. What Makes Blood Sugar Go Up? Insulin Remember that insulin buddies up with sugar in the blood and lets the sugar move into the cells.  This means that insulin lowers the blood sugar level. Oral Diabetic Medications There are five types of pills that treat diabetes and all of them lower the level of sugar in the blood. Exercise    Moderate exercise—without overdoing it—causes muscles to use up sugar.  This lowers the level in the blood. Menstruation The normal hormone changes that occur during a woman’s period can cause the blood sugar level to go down.  (However, keep in mind that hormonal changes can also make blood sugar go up!) Keeping their blood sugar at a normal level is a real challenge for your diabetic clients.   That’s why they need your help! PAGE FIVE What Makes Blood Sugar Go Down?