Common Causes of High Blood Sugar Levels High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively to regulate glucose in the blood. While occasional spikes can happen after a heavy meal, consistently high blood sugar is a sign of an underlying imbalance and may increase the risk of diabetes-related complications. Understanding the common causes can help you make lifestyle adjustments to keep your levels in check. Poor Diet Choices Eating foods high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and processed ingredients can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose. Beverages like soda, sweets, and white bread digest quickly and flood your bloodstream with sugar. Lack of Physical Activity Exercise helps your muscles absorb glucose for energy. Without regular movement, sugar lingers in the bloodstream, leading to higher levels over time. Stress When stressed, the body releases cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that raise ...