Can Stress Cause Blood Sugar Fluctuation?

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.

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