Blood Sugar
Understanding the connection between HIV and blood sugar
Having healthy blood glucose (sugar) levels is an important part of your overall health. To make sure your levels don’t get too high or too low, you can work with your care team to get regular blood sugar screenings and make lifestyle changes, as needed—like prioritizing balanced meals, consistent physical activity, and ongoing care. Talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.
The facts about blood sugar and HIV
What do we know about blood sugar and HIV?
- When we eat, our body makes glucose, a type of sugar, which travels in our blood to places in the body where energy is needed
- We also need insulin to carry blood sugar into cells in other parts of our body
- Your blood sugar can become too high or too low. When it’s too low, you might feel tired or dizzy and then feel better after you eat
- Prediabetes means you have a higher than normal blood sugar level, but it’s not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes yet. But without changes, adults with prediabetes are at higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes
- In type 2 diabetes, blood sugar builds up in the blood instead of going into cells
- Common risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
- Being older than 45 years old
- Having extra weight
- Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Not being physically active
- Being African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
- People living with HIV are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes
Things you can do to help
There are steps you can take to manage your blood sugar levels. Whole health awareness and proactivity can make a difference.
What you can do:
- Prioritize healthy eating with meals that have lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and lean proteins like fish and seafood
- Drink plenty of water. Water can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels
- Increase your activity level, starting with small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking a little farther from the store to get in some extra steps. You can also add short bursts of movement, such as a 10-minute walk or stretch
- Find what you enjoy and do it. Choose physical activities that are fun for you and comfortable (like dancing, calling a friend, or listening to your favorite podcast while you’re on a walk). The more you actually enjoy these, the better you’ll stick with the activities
- Keep your weight in a healthy range. Your care team can help you understand what is a healthy weight for you
- Ask your doctor if you need regular blood sugar screenings which will tell you your fasting glucose and help you stay on top of your levels
- And don’t forget to track your progress. Keep a simple log (check out the Hive Keeper) or app to record your movement and changes—seeing your progress helps you stay motivated and aware
Hive Keeper—your guide to whole health
Print the physical health section, save it on your phone, or bring it along to your next care visit.
Images may include models used for illustrative purposes only. They are not individuals with HIV unless explicitly stated.