Fighting the Dual Battle: PCOS and Diabetes

June 4, 2023 by Dr. Nikhil Prabhu ( Diabetes Specialist )

The Link Between PCOS and Diabetes

Introduction – A Link Between PCOS and Diabetes

A disease that makes you feel tired all day, gets you ugly, hairy, overweight and doesn’t even let you have a peaceful pregnancy, has now been linked to the much-dreaded diabetes. Yes, you’ve guessed it right! Today, we are discussing the underrated link between PCOS and diabetes. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a fairly common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age in this era; diabetes, on the other hand, is a chronic metabolic condition that often coexists with PCOS and poses significant health challenges. Understanding the link between PCOS and diabetes is crucial for early detection, better treatment outcomes, and improved overall health. In this article, we will explore the intricate relationship between PCOS and diabetes, shed light on their shared risk factors, delve into the underlying mechanisms, and discuss strategies to fight this dual battle.

How Does PCOS Cause Diabetes?

PCOS is generally known to result in Type 2 diabetes—-adult diabetes—where the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Persistent PCOS can also lead to gestational diabetes—an increase in blood sugar levels during pregnancy. The connection between the two is multifactorial and bi-directional. Let us understand why.

Here is a quick overview of the link between PCOS and diabetes:

Multiple ovarian cysts in PCOS interfere with the ovary’s ability to produce sex hormones. This may result in an excess of male hormones.

Testosterone is one such male hormone that causes the pancreas to overproduce insulin. High levels of insulin in the blood lead to the following:

● Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a crucial feature of both PCOS and type 2 diabetes. Excess insulin in the blood causes body cells to become less responsive to it, resulting in high blood sugar levels. The pancreas responds by producing more insulin to make up for the resistance. Over time, the pancreas may struggle to maintain normal insulin levels, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels and, potentially, diabetes.

● Hyperinsulinemia

Hyperinsulinemia occurs as the body tries to overcome insulin resistance by producing more of it. However, elevated insulin levels can further exacerbate insulin resistance, creating a vicious cycle.

High insulin levels also cause the ovaries to produce more testosterone and less sex hormone- binding globulin (a protein that binds sex hormones), allowing for even higher levels of circulating male hormones.

● Obesity

Obesity is a shared risk factor for both PCOS and type 2 diabetes. The risk of insulin resistance and slow metabolism is increased by excess body weight, especially abdominal fat. Obesity can worsen insulin resistance and speed up the onset of diabetes in people with PCOS.

PCOS and Diabetes Symptoms

Have you had a PCOS history and are scared of developing diabetes? Well, look out for these signs and symptoms that suggest a link between PCOS and diabetes. Despite being distinct, PCOS and diabetes signs overlap in several indications and symptoms.

The following are some typical indicators and symptoms that might appear in both PCOS and Diabetes:

● Irregular periods

Your periods are irregular, with a cycle lasting over 35 days. The period cramps are painful, and the bleeding is erratic.

● Unexplained weight gain

Both PCOS and diabetes share the common symptoms of weight gain and struggle to reduce weight. It might be difficult to maintain a healthy weight due to insulin resistance, which is a major factor contributing to weight gain.

● Hirsutism

Hair growth, often known as hirsutism, is the growth of coarse, black hair. You might observe hair growth on their chest, chin, or face.

● Hair fail

Hair loss or thinning is common. Your receding hairline may resemble male-pattern baldness.

● Skin changes

Having acne on your back, chin, chest, or other parts of your face. In addition, skin discoloration may happen, particularly in crevices like the groin and armpits.

● Increased hunger and food cravings

Insulin resistance in PCOS can lead to higher insulin levels, which can stimulate appetite. In diabetes, the inability of cells to effectively use insulin can result in increased hunger as the body tries to compensate for the lack of energy.

● Fatigue

High insulin levels in PCOS can affect energy metabolism, while high blood sugar levels in diabetes can lead to fatigue due to inefficient use of glucose by cells.

● Increased thirst and frequent urination

When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys work harder to filter and eliminate excess glucose, resulting in increased urine production and thirst.

If most of the symptoms on the checklist apply to you, it’s time to visit your gynecologist and diabetologist.

PCOS and Diabetes Treatment

PCOS is frustrating. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS. Once acquired, it will take time to wean off, and lifestyle modification is the only key.

Here are a few things that you can do to disrupt the vicious link between PCOS and diabetes:

● Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is a cornerstone of managing both PCOS and diabetes. This includes:

Healthy Diet

Cutting down on processed sugars and refined carbohydrates can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight management. Make whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats your main focus.

Regular Physical Activity

Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, strength training, or aerobic exercises, can enhance insulin sensitivity, encourage weight loss, and help regulate blood sugar levels. Aim for 150 minutes or more per week of moderate-intensity training.

Weight Management

For both PCOS and diabetes management, maintaining a healthy weight is essential. It will help improve insulin sensitivity, hormonal balance, and overall health outcomes.

Stress Management

Insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances can worsen under long-term stress. Implement stress-reduction strategies like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or engaging in relaxing activities.

Say No to Smoking and Alcohol

The risk of complications related to PCOS and diabetes can be decreased by giving up smoking and consuming alcohol in moderation.

● Medications

Birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives can help manage hormonal imbalances, control menstrual cycles, and lower the risk of endometrial cancer. Anti-androgen drugs (anti- male hormone pills) can also aid in reducing acne and excessive hair growth. Sometimes, women with PCOS may be given diabetes medications like metformin to improve insulin sensitivity and control their menstrual cycles.

● Regular Monitoring

Blood Sugar Levels

Monitoring helps ensure that blood sugar levels are within target ranges and allows for adjustments in medication, diet, or physical activity as necessary.

Hormone Levels

To evaluate the efficacy of treatment and track any hormonal imbalances, women with PCOS may need to have their hormone levels checked regularly.

Regular Medical Check-ups

Routine check-ups with the doctor are essential for managing both PCOS and diabetes.

Takeaway

The link between PCOS and diabetes is deep and complex. While PCOS increases the risk of developing diabetes, not all women with PCOS will develop the condition. Diet, exercise, and weight management are all lifestyle factors that significantly reduce the risk. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and consulting frequently with your gynecologist and diabetologist can help you manage PCOS, enhance insulin sensitivity, and lower your risk of getting diabetes.

FAQs

● Which comes first PCOS or diabetes?

PCOS typically precedes diabetes. Insulin resistance, a crucial component of both diseases, is frequently seen in PCOS and can eventually result in the onset of type 2 diabetes.

● How do you know if you have diabetes from PCOS?

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS and have not been actively working towards controlling it, then you may develop other symptoms such as extreme hunger, sweet cravings, frequent urination, and fatigue, suggesting that you may be developing diabetes.

● Is PCOS related to sugar?

Sugar does not cause diabetes directly, but can be a risk factor for developing diabetes in PCOS.

Dr. Nikhil Prabhu ( Diabetes Specialist )

Dr Nikhil Prabhu is a consultant Diabetologist from mumbai. he has been practicing for more than 10 years and currently over 7000 patients are under his treatment for diabetes and thyroid disorder from mumbai and navi mumbai area. | you can book his appointment for tele-consultation on 9082523295 | follow us on YouTube for more diabetes & health related tips

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The Sweetheart Connection: Does Diabetes Cause Heart Disease?

May 25, 2023 by Dr. Nikhil Prabhu ( Diabetes Specialist )

The Sweetheart Connection: Does Diabetes Cause Heart Disease?

Table of contents

Introduction
Does Diabetes Cause Heart Disease?
Diabetic heart attack symptoms
Diabetic heart failure symptoms
The best diet for diabetes patients and heart health
Conclusion
FAQs
Can diabetes lead to heart attack?
Can diabetes cause a weak heart?
Why do heart patients get diabetes?

Introduction

Diabetes may not dampen your spirits, but diabetes-related heart disease might! High blood sugar levels come with side effects that ruin every part of the human body. But if the epicenter of life, the heart, is at risk, then you definitely need to be worried. Does Diabetes Cause Heart Disease? Science says that people with diabetes have a twofold increased risk of heart disease and stroke (blocked blood flow or bleeding in the brain) than non-diabetics. This association becomes stronger with age. However, the best diet for diabetes and heart health accompanied by an active, stress-free lifestyle, can halt this deadly process.

Does Diabetes Cause Heart Disease?

High blood sugar levels, otherwise called hyperglycemia, itself is the cause of heart disease in diabetics. Persistently high sugar levels in the blood boost metabolism in the body’s cells. The amount of metabolism is higher than usual, leading to the accumulation of metabolic products and the formation of free radicals. Free radicals damage the walls of blood vessels like arteries and capillaries; eventually, they also affect delicate nerve tissues. The oxygen and nutrient supply to the muscles of the heart gradually diminish, leading to heart stiffness and dilatation (swelling) of the blood-pumping chambers in the heart. These critical tissue changes result in heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

Diabetes increases the likelihood of various other conditions that increase the risk of heart disease in a person. Common heart diseases in diabetics are coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, peripheral artery disease (PAD), cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.

Let us understand some of these risk factors that also contribute to the diabetes-heart link:

● Elevated blood pressure

High blood pressure forces too much blood to flow through the arteries. A weak artery, such as those found in diabetics, can worsen heart damage and cause problems.

● An abnormally high cholesterol

Plaques made of cholesterol accumulate on the walls of arteries. Deposits further narrow an arterial wall that is already vulnerable in diabetics. This causes a significant reduction in blood flow, particularly to the brain and the heart, which can lead to complications like heart attacks and strokes.

● Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of high cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as fat deposits in the artery walls. These are all warning signs of impending heart disease.

● Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle increases the chance of obesity and hypertension (high blood pressure).

● Regularly consuming meals heavy in sodium (salt), trans fat, cholesterol, and saturated fat

A diet full of fast food and junk is high in sugar, salt, and fat. These could be key players in weight gain and high blood sugar levels.

● Too much alcohol and smoking

Alcoholics and smokers are predisposed to hypertension and high cholesterol levels. Diabetics should avoid these detrimental habits.

● Familial heart disease history

A few diabetics could be genetically prone to heart diseases and congenital heart problems.

Diabetic Heart Attack Symptoms

Patients with diabetes are more likely to experience heart disease, which can cause a heart attack. Diabetics may experience different heart attack symptoms than non-diabetics. But why?

In diabetics, high blood sugar levels frequently result in severe nerve damage. This explains why neuropathies are prevalent in them. Due to similar reasons, all the symptoms of a heart attack seem less severe in diabetics. The associated chest pain is mild, with tightness of breath and sweating. There is a sudden rise in blood sugar that is also noticed.

Diabetic heart failure symptoms

Heart failure doesn’t mean that your heart has stopped pumping blood. It means that the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently.

Heart diseases in diabetics frequently culminate in heart failure. This may cause your legs to swell and cause fluid to accumulate in your lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Other signs could be dizziness, fatigue, and fainting. On examination, irregular heartbeats and heart rhythm are seen (arrhythmia).

The best diet for Patients with diabetes and heart health

It isn’t difficult to manage diabetes, let alone diabetic-related heart disease. If you are in your forties, then it’s time you step up and take good care of yourself. The best diet for those with diabetes and heart disease is one that focuses on whole, unprocessed foods while limiting or avoiding foods that are heavily processed, and high in sugar and fat.

Follow our ABCDE rule of 5 to say bye-bye to “Does diabetes cause heart disease?”

A – Monitor your HbA1c levels 3-4 times a year. Apart from that, at-home glucose testing is vital for diabetics who are on insulin therapy.

B – Maintain your Blood pressure levels.

C – Keep a check on your Cholesterol levels.

D – Do away with sitting and bingeing. Get up, be active, exercise, move around, and lose those extra pounds!

E – Exit from overindulgence. Avoid drinking alcohol too often and quit smoking.

The best diet for diabetes and heart health would include the following:

While being high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, fruits and vegetables are low in calories.

Fiber and nutrients are abundant in whole grains. Examples include brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain bread, and pasta.

Lean proteins that have minimal saturated fat are good protein options, including fish, chicken, and plant-based foods like beans, lentils, and nuts.

Healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, almonds, and seeds

Reduce your intake of processed foods like ready-to-eat mixes, canned foods, and different sauces and spreads. These foods have high levels of salt, sugar, and harmful fats.

Conclusion

Does diabetes cause heart disease? Now that you know that, as a middle-aged diabetic, the chances of you developing heart disease are high, why not be proactive to stop it? You can take steps to mitigate this risk. Apart from the best diet for diabetes and heart health, you should consult your diabetologist periodically to find out any early signs and symptoms of heart disease.

FAQs

Can diabetes lead to heart attack?

Yes, diabetes can cause heart diseases that lead to a heart attack. High blood sugar makes the blood vessels fragile and inefficient. Consistently poor blood supply to the heart stiffens the heart muscles and forms blood clots that cause a heart attack.

Can diabetes cause a weak heart?

Yes, diabetes can result in diabetic cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes a weak heart. It can present with symptoms of early exhaustion. Fatigue, gasping for breath, dizziness, and fainting

Why do heart patients get diabetes?

Diabetes can develop in heart patients due to risk factors that are shared by both, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. Several drugs used to treat heart problems can also make you more susceptible to developing diabetes.

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Dr. Nikhil Prabhu ( Diabetes Specialist )

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Decoding HbA1c: A Key Indicator for Diabetes

May 23, 2023 by Dr. Nikhil Prabhu ( Diabetes Specialist )

Decoding HbA1c : A Key Indicator for Diabetes

Are you still fasting in the morning before sample collection, hoping for an accurate blood sugar report?

Then its time to understand the significance of HbA1c. As a diabetic or pre-diabetic, closely monitoring
your blood sugar levels is mandatory. When you consult your diabetologist next, he must see if your blood sugar levels have been consistent. These blood sugar levels should hold true irrespective of what
you eat or drink daily. That’s where HbA1c comes in!

What is “significance of HbA1c”?

An individual’s average blood glucose levels over two to three months can be determined by analyzing
the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in their blood. Confusing?

Let’s break it up!

The term “glycated hemoglobin” or HbA1c refers to the hemoglobin (Hb) that randomly links (glycates) with red blood cells. The likelihood of this connection occurring increases when blood glucose levels are high. The amount of HbA1c in the bloodstream can be used to estimate the average blood glucose level throughout a period of 120 days since that is the average lifespan of a red blood cell (RBC) in the blood.

HbA1c values are higher in diabetics because they often have more available blood glucose.

Importance of HbA1c in diabetes

The HbA1c test procedure is the gold standard for monitoring blood sugar levels. The HbA1c level is
now suggested as a standard of care (SOC) for testing and monitoring diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes.

But don’t fasting blood sugar reports and post-prandial blood sugar levels give you similar results?

The goal of the fasting blood glucose test is to determine how much glucose is present in your blood
after you’ve fasted for at least 8 hours and no more than 16 hours. A non-diabetic person’s fasting blood sugar level should ideally not be higher than 100 mg/dL.

Post-prandial blood glucose testing is done to determine how your blood sugar levels have changed
following a meal. It typically takes place two hours after eating. The target postprandial blood glucose
level should be less than 140 mg/dL.

Yet diabetologists swear by the significance of HbA1c. This is because of the following:

● HbA1c levels are unaffected by what you eat or drink. It is not determined by how long you fast
or when you eat.
● High cortisol levels in stress, anxiety, and poor mental health conditions do not affect HbA1c
levels.
● It is unaffected by transient hormonal peaks since it is a marker of long-term blood sugar levels.
● Studies show that it can be used by the vast majority of people worldwide with zero to minimal
variability among different ethnic origins and genetic inheritance.
● At the normal body temperature of 98.4℉, HbA1c is a more stable form of glucose than the frank
glucose molecules in the blood.
● It does not need any preparation. If your diabetologist detects signs and symptoms of diabetes,
you can get the HbA1c test done immediately.
● It tells us how well your diabetes is being managed; it is hard to fool your doctor that way!
● It indicates if you are prone to other diabetes-related health conditions.

However, certain conditions can alter the physiology of red blood cells, for example, anemia. Anemia
results in reduced hemoglobin quality and can give false HbA1c results.

HbA1c test procedure

The diabetologist can order this test as a routine procedure. Usually, you don’t need to be on an empty
stomach for the sample collection for HbA1c, unless the doctor wants to specifically monitor your fasting
blood sugar as well.

The concerned lab technician will draw blood from your arm and send it to a lab for HbA1c testing.
Finger prick tests require a single drop of blood to provide a reading, making them more practical for
children or those who have trouble delivering more extensive blood samples.

What is the best time for HbA1c test?

If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, pregnancy-associated diabetes, fluctuating HbA1c
readings, a change of medications or insulin dosages, or have a history of hypoglycemia (low blood
sugar), your doctor may advise quarterly monitoring (every 3 months).

Given that HbA1c is a measurement of average blood sugar over three months, performing HbA1c more
than four times a year makes no sense.

Understanding the HbA1c normal range

This is the tricky part since most of you need help understanding the readings. Today we shall study how
to read the reports together.

Typically, HbA1c is expressed as a percentage or in mmol/mol (mili-mols per mol). For instance, suppose your HbA1c is written as 6.6% (NGSP) and 49 mmol/mol (IFCC), it means that there are 49 molecules of glycated hemoglobin, or HbA1c, per 1000 hemoglobin (Hb) molecules. The same thing as a percentage is expressed as 6.6%.

Clinics are going towards using IFCC (2003) as the suggested measurement because it is more recent and precise. NGSP (1996) is an earlier study that focuses more on clinical outcomes than accuracy.

The Australian Diabetes Society, came up with a conversion table to help people worldwide in reading
the HbA1c values.

● NGSP value = 0.09148 × (IFCC value)+ 2.152
● IFCC value = 10.93 × (NGSP value) – 23.50

Scientific research clearly states the normal range for the HbA1c test procedure. The ranges are as
follows:

● The A1c range for a person without diabetes is 4% to 6%.
● A1c levels in diabetics will usually be in the range of 6.5% (47 mmol/mol).
● A1c ranges from 5.7% to 6.4% (39–46 mmol/mol) in pre-diabetes (a higher chance of developing
diabetes in the future).

HbA1c alone, might not be sufficient to identify diabetes. Other health factors and tests contribute to the
diagnosis.

Factors that can affect the HbA1c test procedure

Since HbA1c is dependent on hemoglobin, it can vary with all the factors that affect the quantity and
quality of hemoglobin in the blood. To discuss some of these factors:

1. Genetic variants of hemoglobin

Hemoglobin variations occur in certain diseases; hemoglobin S is seen in sickle cell anemia, and
hemoglobin E in beta-thalassemia. Results for HbA1c in those with high levels of hemoglobin variations
can be unreliable.

2. Gender

Studies suggest that glycated hemoglobin is well-defined in men only after a significant increase in blood sugar levels
and fat deposition in the body.

3. Age

HbA1c levels rise with age, even in the absence of diabetes. HbA1c is 0.5% higher in people over 70
years old as compared to those who are younger.

4. A recent blood donation

HbA1c drops following a blood donation. Therefore, after blood donation, even in diabetic patients,
HbA1c levels are probably going to be low.

5. Pregnancy

Studies suggest that in a typical, non-diabetic pregnancy, HbA1c values fall during the second trimester
and climb during the third.

Takeaway

The significance of HbA1c is a useful tool for diabetics to forecast their long-term health. Still, a high
reading may not necessarily indicate poor blood sugar maintenance and a good reading does not
guarantee that diabetes will not have long-term effects on you.

FAQ

What happens when HbA1c is high?

When HbA1c levels are high, it indicates that the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months
have been elevated. If left untreated, high HbA1c levels can lead to various complications, such as an
increased risk of heart disease, eye damage, blindness, kidney damage, and slow wound healing. Use at-
home glucose monitoring and a healthy diet to help you manage diabetes.

What foods reduce Glycated Hb?

Foods that can help lower HbA1c levels include non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, beans and
legumes, fruits, nuts and seeds, and lean protein sources. Incorporating these foods into a healthy diet can help to regulate your blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Is fasting required for hba1c test?

No its last 3 months average blood glucose test and can be done anytime.

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Dr. Nikhil Prabhu ( Diabetes Specialist )

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Can Stress Cause Blood Sugar Fluctuation?

April 27, 2023 by Dr. Nikhil Prabhu ( Diabetes Specialist )

Overview

“Stressed” spelled backward is “desserts,” and your body knows this. Stress is inevitable. Whether it’s at work, in relationships, at home, in your personal lives, or finances, stress can affect us in many ways; high blood sugar levels are one of them. Although stress doesn’t actively cause diabetes, it can shoot up your blood sugar levels and exacerbate the condition. At times, consistently high blood sugar levels can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. It’s time you acknowledge this unexplored relationship and start actively calming yourself to reduce stress.

How Does Emotional Stress Affect Blood Glucose Levels?

The infamous bond between stress and blood sugar levels can be explained by understanding the interplay of hormones in the body. Let us understand how this works:

a. When You Experience Stress, Your Bodies Release A Hormone Called Cortisol

Cortisol helps increase blood sugar levels by signaling the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream. This can be beneficial in the short term, as it provides us with the energy we need to deal with a stressful situation. However, when stress is chronic, cortisol levels can remain elevated, leading to consistently high blood sugar levels.

● Stress-related Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes)

Stress can cause low blood sugar as well. Stress has the potential to both raise and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes. Chronic stress depletes the adrenal glands, resulting in low cortisol levels and adrenal fatigue. Those who have type 1 diabetes may experience an imbalance in the hormones released to control blood sugar levels.

● Stress-related Type 2 diabetes (non- insulin-dependent diabetes)

High levels of stress can raise blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. The body’s tissues become less responsive to insulin when cortisol levels are elevated. As a result, there is a rise in blood sugar.

b. Stress-Related Poor Lifestyle And Habits

Poor mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, and depression often hamper the quality of life. Binge eating, a lack of exercise, inconsistent medications, and insomnia can worsen your glucose and lipid levels if you are a diabetic.

Here is a quick overview of how mental health issues can snowball into lifestyle-related high blood sugar levels;

● Stress eating

You may use food as a coping method when you’re anxious. Unfortunately, many of us make poor meal decisions that are high in carbohydrates and may raise our blood sugar levels. This may result from a cycle of stress eating and elevated blood sugar levels.

● Reduced physical activity

Depression and anxiety make you feel exhausted every day. As a result, the muscles may become less responsive to insulin, which aids in controlling blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels may consequently increase

● Insomnia

Stress can make it difficult to sleep. Lack of sleep makes the body more resistant to the effects of insulin by releasing stress hormones , which can lead to an increase in blood glucose levels.

● Increased inflammation

Chronic stress can cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation can interfere with insulin’s ability to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells, leading to higher blood sugar levels.

● Medications

Some anti-anxiety drugs can also raise blood sugar levels. Corticosteroids, for instance, which are frequently employed to treat inflammation, might raise blood sugar levels.

c. Happy Stress

Sounds funny, isn’t it? A “happy stress” is the kind of emotional change you have when dealing with something happy and positive yet tough. For example, the stress of planning a wedding, the stress of having a baby, the stress of moving cities, the stress of a job promotion, and so on. Such “happy stressors” might also intensify your flight and fight hormones, the cortisol, leading to high blood sugar.

Diabetes Causing Anxiety Is Real!

Diabetes control requires a lot of effort. That alone is enough to make one anxious and stressed. Those with diabetes are 20% more likely to worry, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Stress Causes Sugar Fluctuations: How To Cope With It

There is no way you can eliminate stress. So coping with stress correctly is the best way to control blood sugar levels. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Do not forget to monitor blood sugar levels when under stress.

Do not simply assume that a tough situation is making your sugar levels fluctuate. You may start stressing about this and make things worse for yourself. So check your sugar levels.

2. Practice relaxation techniques

Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are all relaxation strategies that can help lower blood sugar and reduce stress. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga are just a few examples of mindfulness activities that might help you feel less stressed. Determine what relieves your stress. Another quick and easy method to unwind your body and mind wherever you are is to concentrate on your breathing.

3. Regular exercise

People with type 2 diabetes must engage in physical activity for a variety of reasons. In particular, exercise raises insulin sensitivity, which decreases blood sugar. Going outside and taking a stroll can get you out of a stressful environment and will make you feel better.

4. Get enough sleep

Anxiety can be controlled by getting enough sleep. Sleep for 7-8 hours every night.

5. Eat better

Avoid junk! Stop binge eating! Do not submit to cravings. Be mindful of what’s on your plate. Choose foods low in carbohydrates and fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

6. Support

Talking to a childhood friend or family member, or joining a support group, or seeing a mental health professional can all help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. The burden of having type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming. It is known as “diabetes burnout” an extreme exhaustion brought on by blood sugar monitoring. Find a diabetes specialist near me for assistance.

Takeaway

Stress can have a tremendous impact on blood glucose levels and overall health. By understanding the connection between stress and high blood sugar levels, we can take steps to manage stress and prevent the development of diabetes. If you’re experiencing chronic stress, don’t hesitate to seek support from a diabetes specialist near me.

FAQs

1. Does stress affect the risk of diabetes-related complications?

Yes, stress can increase the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems. High levels of stress hormones in the body can also make it more difficult to manage blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk of complications.

2. Can stress increase HbA1c?

Yes, stress can increase HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) levels. tress can cause blood sugar levels to rise over time. When blood sugar levels are high, more glucose molecules bind to hemoglobin, resulting in higher HbA1c levels.

3. Can stress management techniques improve diabetes management?

Yes, stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can improve diabetes management by reducing stress levels and helping individuals better cope with the demands of diabetes self-management.

Dr. Nikhil Prabhu ( Diabetes Specialist )

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The Link Between PCOS and Diabetes

How Does PCOS Cause Diabetes?

PCOS and Diabetes Symptoms

PCOS and Diabetes Treatment

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Introduction

Does Diabetes Cause Heart Disease?

● Elevated blood pressure

● An abnormally high cholesterol

● Obesity

● Sedentary lifestyle

● Regularly consuming meals heavy in sodium (salt), trans fat, cholesterol, and saturated fat

● Too much alcohol and smoking

● Familial heart disease history

Diabetic Heart Attack Symptoms

Diabetic heart failure symptoms

The best diet for Patients with diabetes and heart health

Follow our ABCDE rule of 5 to say bye-bye to “Does diabetes cause heart disease?”

The best diet for diabetes and heart health would include the following:

Conclusion

FAQs

if you like this article, share it with your friends

Related posts:

Decoding HbA1c : A Key Indicator for Diabetes

Are you still fasting in the morning before sample collection, hoping for an accurate blood sugar report?

What is “significance of HbA1c”?

Importance of HbA1c in diabetes

HbA1c test procedure

What is the best time for HbA1c test?

Factors that can affect the HbA1c test procedure

Related posts:

Overview

How Does Emotional Stress Affect Blood Glucose Levels?

a. When You Experience Stress, Your Bodies Release A Hormone Called Cortisol

b. Stress-Related Poor Lifestyle And Habits

c. Happy Stress

Diabetes Causing Anxiety Is Real!

Stress Causes Sugar Fluctuations: How To Cope With It

Takeaway

FAQs

Related posts: