It makes my blood spike (!)

Today, my blood sugar levels spiked, reaching a notable high compared to the relatively stable readings I’ve maintained for the past month or two—typically within the range of 5-7, which is considered normal for someone with diabetes. However, tonight’s reading was 11.2, still somewhat within an acceptable range but higher than my recent norm.

Reflecting on the day, I began by considering my dietary choices. Unlike my usual breakfast consisting of coffee, fruit (mostly berries) with yogurt, and porridge, today I skipped the porridge. The decision to opt for a takeaway souvlaki salad bowl for lunch, including the deliberation over the accompanying pita bread, played on my mind. While I’ve been cautious about consuming pita bread, online research suggests it’s generally okay for diabetics.

A mid-afternoon coffee paired with a couple of Scotch finger biscuits struck me as a likely culprit for the elevated blood sugar levels. Then, after work, I enjoyed a glass of red wine.

I hadn’t necessarily needed to go into the office today, considering my official return next Monday. However, certain tasks required an office environment, and with the water in our apartment block turned off, it seemed practical to utilize the office space for a day.

Also today I knocked up almost 6,000 steps, catching the light rail to and from home.

Returning to work after a prolonged absence meant catching up with colleagues and addressing pending tasks, undoubtedly leading to a series of potentially stressful conversations. This, I suspect, significantly contributed to the rise in my blood sugar levels.

Interestingly, an academic paper titled “Stress-Induced Diabetes: A Review” suggests that stress can release hormones that elevate blood sugar levels.

Seeking insight, I reached out to a friend of a similar age who has managed diabetes for a decade. His wise advice emphasized not worrying unless elevated readings became a pattern on stressful days. He recommended incorporating relaxation exercises into my routine and managing stress at work. He also reminded me that I might be setting too high a standard for myself and urged me to take a step back, acknowledging that this transition back to work is a process with its ups and downs.

I appreciate his perspective and will strive to manage stress more effectively while being mindful of the demands I place on myself during this return to work period.

In the meantime I’m listening to some of my favourite music, and will head out for a lovely night on the balcony, enjoying the best that life has given me a second chance to enjoy.

PS

A few hours later, after relaxing, listening to some music, a brief nap, and a very diabetes friendly dinner of sashimi, and my blood sugar level is back to normal at 4.8, which means I can have some desert before bed, consisting of half a pea, some blueberries and some yoghurt.