Eliminating refined sugar from your diet doesn’t always guarantee lower blood sugar levels. According to experts, other hidden factors might be affecting your glucose readings. Nutritionist Edwina Raj highlights that even healthy carbs, such as fruits or whole grains, can spike blood sugar when consumed in excess. Additionally, common foods like white rice, bread, fruit juices, and even natural sweeteners like jaggery or honey have a high glycemic index, causing glucose surges.

Dr. Archana Juneja points out that stress and lack of sleep also play major roles. Chronic stress increases cortisol and adrenaline, which can disrupt insulin function and elevate blood sugar. Similarly, poor sleep affects your body’s hormonal balance and insulin sensitivity.

Underlying health issues such as insulin resistance or hormonal disorders may also be contributing. Even if sugar intake is reduced, conditions like Type 2 Diabetes can keep sugar levels high due to poor insulin response. Skipping medication, alcohol use, and obesity can further worsen the problem.

To tackle this, experts recommend closely tracking carbohydrate intake, managing portions, staying active, and using tools like glucometers or CGMs to monitor how different foods affect your body. Regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, while consistent, high-quality sleep supports hormonal balance. Incorporating stress-relief practices such as yoga or meditation can further aid blood sugar regulation.

Ultimately, consulting a healthcare professional for a personalised plan is crucial. Addressing all these aspects holistically is the most effective way to achieve better control over your blood sugar levels.