Beyond sugar: 4 factors that raise blood sugar

Diet is the main factor that influences blood sugar levels. But focusing only on what you eat means missing part of the picture: other everyday elements influence blood glucose levels. Identifying them allows us to give ourselves the means to act.

Stress, a disruptor of blood sugar levels

Stress is a well-established risk factor for type 2 diabetes. When faced with a stressful situation, the body releases cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that mobilize glucose to urgently fuel muscles. In a healthy person,

  • References

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  1. Harris ML, Oldmeadow C, Hure A, Luu J, Loxton D, Attia J. Stress increases the risk of type 2 diabetes onset in women: A 12-year longitudinal study using causal modeling. PLoS ONE. 2017. 12(2): e0172126.

  2. S. Franc, L. Rocher, F. Plat, S. Lablanche, B. Bouillet, A. Navarranne, I. Allix, A. Vambergue, N. Jeandidier, P. Schaeplynck, E. Sonnet, B. Catargi, JC Chauvet-Gelinier, G. Charpentier. Epistress studies: impact of perceived stress on blood sugar levels, in a population of subjects with T1D. Annals of Endocrinology. 2024. Volume 85. Issue 5. Pages 543-544.

  3. Schrems, E., Gruber, J.R., Schiweck, C. et al. Daily life stress is linked to increased glucose levels in individuals with insulin resistance: a real-world assessment. Diabetology. 2025. 68, 2709–2718.

  4. Rasmussen, CH, O, CK, Chan, WS, Magkos, F. and Kong, AP Sleep habits in the pathogenesis and management of diabetes. J Diabetes Investig. 2025. 16:1202-1216.

  5. Wouter MA Franssen, Ine Nieste, Kenneth Verboven, Bert O. Eijnde. Sedentary behavior and cardiometabolic health: Integrating the potential underlying molecular health aspects. Metabolism. 2025. Volume 170.

  6. Sylow, L., Kleinert, M., Richter, E. et al. Exercise-stimulated glucose uptake — regulation and implications for glycaemic control. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2017. 13, 133–148.

  7. Jain AB, Lai V. Medication-Induced Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Current Literature and Practical Management Strategies. Diabetes Ther. 2024 Sep;15(9):2001-2025.

  • Current version

    on 06/17/2026

    Updated by Marie-Céline Ray


    Science journalist

  • on 06/17/2026

    Updated by Collectif laNutrition

  • on 06/16/2026

    Publication by Marie-Céline Ray


    Science journalist

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