Can smelling food raise the sugar

Posted by bimbra @bimbra, 2 days ago

This might sound really outrageous.
I was planning to have a chocolate bar, but didn't. however when I checked my blood sugar it had increased. Another time I was sitting next to someone having a burger and my sugar went up just simply smelling the food. How is that possible?

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Scott R L | @scottrl | 2 days ago

I've had a similar experience.
I thought it was just my imagination.
If it's true, then maybe there are smells that can *lower* blood sugar!

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 2 days ago

@bimbra and @scottrl
I thought this was a very interesting question, so I did a little looking - it actually seems the opposite is true - smelling food can release insulin, and should cause blood glucose to fall.
Here is an article about it:
https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/education/blood-sugar-management/blood-sugar-and-food-smells-diabetes-questions-answers/
On the other hand, hunger can cause blood sugar to spike, so if you need to eat, but don't, for example when a craving hits or near mealtime, your body releases extra glucose.