Factors that affect your blood glucose

These everyday factors have an influence on your blood glucose level. Understanding the effect of each will mean you can take action to prevent your blood glucose level rising too high or falling too low.

Carbohydrate foods; sugary food and soft drinks – Raise your blood glucose. How quickly and how much depends on the type and quantity.

Physical activity – Lowers your blood glucose by helping insulin work more efficiently and using up energy.

Insulin injections – Lower your blood glucose. How quickly and for how long depends on the type of insulin.

Diabetes pills – Lower your blood glucose

Stress – Likely to raise your blood glucose; rarely, may lower it.

Illness – Raises your blood glucose.