Nighttime mistakes that raise blood sugar: Professor Al-Agha's advice for diabetics
Diabetes is one of the most widespread chronic health challenges both locally and globally. Managing it requires a balanced lifestyle that extends beyond daytime hours to include nighttime habits, which play a crucial role in stabilizing the condition. With rising diabetes rates, experts emphasize that poor pre-sleep habits may be the hidden cause behind the deterioration of many patients' conditions, despite their apparent adherence to treatment.
In this context, Professor Abdul-Moein Eid Al-Agha, Professor and Consultant of Endocrinology and Pediatric Diabetes at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, warned against a set of nighttime behaviors committed by diabetic patients without awareness of their danger, pointing out to “Al-Youm” that these mistakes directly affect insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels.
Risk of late meals and medication disruption
Professor Al-Agha explained that consuming fast food or foods high in carbohydrates and sugars late at night is one of the most dangerous habits, given the slower metabolism during sleep, which leads to prolonged periods of elevated blood sugar levels. He also emphasized that irregularity in taking evening medications disrupts the entire treatment plan, potentially leading to long-term health complications that may be difficult to manage later.
Sleep and stress: a complex hormonal relationship
Physiologically, diabetes is closely linked to sleep quality. The consultant explained that staying up late and disrupting the body's circadian rhythm lead to decreased insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, exposure to stress or watching upsetting news before bedtime triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which naturally raise blood sugar levels to provide the body with energy in emergencies, thus counteracting the effects of insulin.
Modern technology and its negative impact
In our digital age, using smart devices before bed has become a common habit for many. However, Professor Al-Agha warned of the dangers of blue light emitted from these screens. This light not only causes insomnia but also tricks the brain and delays the release of melatonin, thus reducing the depth and quality of sleep, which negatively impacts morning blood sugar levels.
Neglecting hydration and self-care
Al-Agha added that neglecting to drink enough water leads to dehydration, which increases blood viscosity and sugar concentration. He also warned against strenuous exercise at night, which can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, or neglecting to check blood sugar levels before bed, thus depriving the patient of the opportunity to correct any imbalances before entering the long hours of sleep. He concluded by emphasizing that diabetes management is a comprehensive system that begins with awareness and ends with adherence to a healthy lifestyle that ensures safety and prevents complications.
