Hunger and cravings can be a symptom of high blood glucose (high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia). That may seem confusing. If your blood glucose is above your target range, why is your body telling you it needs more food? Let’s take a look at why your body is triggering the feeling of hunger and what you can do to manage it.
Why do you crave food when your blood glucose is high?
When you have diabetes, your blood glucose can rise above your target range because your body can’t produce insulin or use the insulin it does make well. As your blood glucose goes up, you may start to feel hungry or crave foods. Even though there’s plenty of glucose to provide energy in your bloodstream, your brain can’t use it and sends hunger signals to try to get fuel.
This hunger can lead to even higher blood glucose: you feel hungry, you eat, and your blood glucose rises even more. That’s why monitoring your blood glucose is so important. It helps you understand whether your hunger is because you need food or because your body can’t use the blood glucose it already has.
What should you eat and drink when your blood glucose is high?
If you do need to eat when your blood glucose is high, choose very low‑carb, whole‑food options like non-starchy vegetables and drink plenty of water.
Water is very important. When you’re dehydrated, your blood glucose becomes more concentrated and can make blood glucose levels rise. Drinking water helps your body rehydrate and start to lower your blood glucose level.
Lower carb choices include:
- Non‑starchy vegetables: Salad greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, and peppers
- Proteins and healthy fats: Cheese, cottage cheese, lean meats (ham, chicken, turkey), nuts, and nut butter
Examples of low-carb snacks:
- Celery sticks and Spinach and Yogurt Dip
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Raw broccoli and carrots dipped in a salad dressing
Do keep in mind that your body may still need support from an increase in your current medication dose(s) or the addition of a new medication in order to bring your blood glucose levels down to your goal range. Talk to your doctor about making these adjustments while also working to make healthy choices around foods.
Managing Hunger with High Blood Glucose
Talk with your healthcare team about creating a plan for hunger if your blood glucose is high. Making food choices that won’t affect your blood glucose as much helps, but if you’re regularly having high blood glucose, you may need to work with your healthcare team to change your treatment plan. This may include making changes to your eating plan or medications.
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