Illness, injury, or even the recovery process can significantly disrupt blood sugar control, even for individuals who typically maintain stable levels. This isn’t due to poor discipline; it’s a natural physiological response. When your body is fighting off infection or healing, it temporarily prioritizes survival over precise glucose regulation.
The Body’s Stress Response and Glucose
During sickness or injury, the body enters a defensive state, triggering the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones signal the liver to release more glucose into the bloodstream, ensuring sufficient fuel for fighting infection and repairing damage. Simultaneously, the immune system releases inflammatory cytokines, which can reduce insulin’s effectiveness. This leads to insulin resistance, meaning glucose lingers in the bloodstream longer.
For people with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes, this response can cause dangerously high blood sugar levels. Even for those who carefully manage their glucose, this resistance can complicate things; the body may not produce enough insulin to meet the increased demand, impeding the healing process.
Why This Matters
The body’s survival mechanisms, while essential, can create a dangerous feedback loop in individuals with blood sugar sensitivities. Elevated glucose impairs immune function, further prolonging illness and recovery. This is why monitoring blood sugar during these periods is critical – not just for comfort, but for optimizing the body’s natural healing process.
Managing Fluctuations
When you’re sick, undergoing surgery, or recovering from an injury, blood sugar levels may become harder to control. Taking steps to monitor glucose levels, adjust meals, prioritize sleep, and practice self-care can help regulate blood sugar and promote healing.
The body’s natural immune response triggers elevated glucose levels during periods of stress and illness to support survival and recovery.
This isn’t a failure of management; it’s biology. Recognizing this allows for more effective and informed action.
Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Your Immune System and Diabetes
Sharma K et al. Stress-Induced Diabetes: A Review. Cureus. September 13, 2022.
