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HomeAnswersInternal Medicineblood sugar levelsCan continuous use of Aspirin affect blood sugar levels?

Can adopting a healthy lifestyle and improving sleep help maintain sugar levels?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At May 1, 2024
Reviewed AtMay 1, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My dad, who is 53 years old, underwent open-heart surgery approximately two years ago, and he has been consistently taking Aspirin ever since. Recently, we have observed his blood sugar levels fluctuating unpredictably, causing us concern. Given his medical history and continuous use of Aspirin, I am interested in understanding how diabetes could be affecting his heart function. Do you have any insights on how we can improve the management of his diabetes, particularly regarding his sleep? He struggles with sleeping deeply. Additionally, any expert advice on maintaining stable blood sugar levels would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Diabetes and heart disease often go hand in hand, as high blood sugar levels over time can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart problems. Aspirin is commonly prescribed after open-heart surgery to help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, long-term Aspirin use can also increase the risk of bleeding and gastrointestinal side effects. In terms of managing diabetes and heart disease, your dad needs to work closely with his healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan may include medications to manage blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure, as well as lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and quitting smoking if applicable.

When it comes to sleep, poor sleep quality is a common issue for people with diabetes and heart disease, as both conditions can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and other sleep disorders. Encourage your dad to establish a regular sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and create a relaxing sleep environment, such as a cool, dark room. Additionally, engaging in regular exercise during the day can improve sleep quality and help regulate blood sugar levels.

To keep blood sugar in check, your dad may benefit from working with a registered dietitian to develop a personalized meal plan that takes into account his medication regimen and lifestyle factors. This may involve strategies such as eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes, choosing complex carbohydrates (such as whole grains and fruits) over simple carbohydrates (such as candy and soda), and regularly monitoring blood sugar levels (such as with a glucose meter) to help identify patterns and adjust treatment as needed. It may also be helpful to encourage your dad to track his food intake and blood sugar levels in a journal or app to identify trends and make informed decisions about his diet and lifestyle choices over time.

I hope this information helps you.

Thanks for using icliniq, and have a nice day.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vandana Andrews
Dr. Vandana Andrews

General Practitioner

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