The Impact of Stress on Blood Sugar Levels
Let’s face it 2020 and so far 2021 have been incredibly stressful years for everyone from worrying about a global Pandemic to the financial stress this has placed on so many of us. Most people experience stress because of work and finances and balancing family between it all. Now let’s add a chronic health condition like Diabetes to the mix and it is enough to drive even the most relaxed easygoing people batty. How does stress affect blood sugar levels and what are some ways we can battle having too much stress? Let’s explore the Impact of Stress on Blood Sugar Levels:
Type 1 diabetics’ blood sugar can increase when they’re stressed because of the production of the stress hormones Adrenaline and Cortisol. In most people, these hormones help improve the body’s stress response by prompting the liver to release more glucose, or blood sugar, for additional energy (aka the Fight or Flight Response).
For diabetics, however, this extra glucose can result in a dangerously high blood sugar level. This makes already hard times even more exasperating trying to handle things with a high blood sugar. Personally I am very cranky and have very little patience when I have high blood sugars and this makes others around me even more stressed.
Stress, especially in those with diabetes, can have a major impact on blood sugar levels. When you are stressed, your body releases chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline, which can set off a chain reaction of physiological reactions that have an impact on how your blood sugar is regulated.
Here’s how stress can influence blood sugar levels:
Increased glucose production: Stress hormones can stimulate the liver to produce more glucose, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This response is known as “gluconeogenesis.” The additional glucose is intended to provide extra energy to help you cope with the perceived threat or stressor.
Insulin resistance: Your body’s sensitivity to insulin, the hormone in charge of controlling blood sugar levels, might be decreased by stress hormones. When cells grow resistant to insulin, glucose stays in the bloodstream and blood sugar levels rise because insulin helps glucose enter cells so it can be used for energy.
Altered eating patterns: Stress can affect eating behaviors, leading to changes in food choices and meal timing. Some individuals may experience increased appetite and cravings for sugary or high-calorie foods as a response to stress, which can lead to blood sugar spikes.
Disrupted self-care routines: During periods of stress, individuals may find it challenging to maintain healthy self-care habits, including regular exercise, monitoring blood sugar levels, and taking medications as prescribed. This lack of self-care can contribute to uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Stress on Kids
Stress on kids is a topic of growing concern in today’s fast-paced and demanding world. Children, just like adults, can experience stress due to various factors in their lives. Academic pressures, social expectations, family conflicts, and extracurricular commitments are just a few examples of stressors that children may encounter.
The impact of stress on kids can be significant. It can affect their emotional well-being, academic performance, and physical health. Prolonged exposure to stress in childhood can even have long-term consequences on their overall development. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize and address stress in children.
Parents, caregivers, and educators play a vital role in helping children manage stress effectively. Creating a supportive and nurturing environment where children feel heard and understood is essential. Encouraging open communication and providing opportunities for children to express their feelings can help alleviate stress.
Teaching kids stress management techniques is another valuable approach. Mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques can empower children to cope with stress in healthier ways. Engaging in physical activities, hobbies, and creative outlets can also serve as stress relievers for kids.
Also Read: The Importance of Sleep As A Diabetic
Stress Management
What causes this response? Well, it can be anything that stresses you out or gives you anxiety, from people, tests, work, presentations, doctors, and family to other challenging situations you find hard to deal with. Managing stress is crucial, especially for individuals with diabetes, as it can affect blood sugar levels and overall well-being.
Besides the commonly known stressors, even sickness can cause stress, such as having a cold, the flu, or a sore throat. All viruses can induce stress in the body and raise blood sugar levels. It’s important to note that some medications used to treat illnesses can also elevate blood sugar levels. To mitigate this kind of stress, it’s essential to prioritize a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a balanced diet, getting sufficient sleep, and striving for overall good health.
In addition, taking steps to prevent illnesses can help reduce stress. Avoiding places where sick people usually gather, such as hospitals and doctors’ offices, may lower the chances of getting sick. Practicing good hygiene, like reducing face-touching and frequently washing hands, is crucial. When handwashing isn’t feasible, using hand sanitizer is a good alternative. Until the pandemic is over, it’s advisable to wear a mask, even if you have received the vaccine, to further minimize the risk of infection.
Reducing stress as much as possible in daily life is key, but for days when it’s challenging to eliminate stress altogether, it’s important to carve out time for enjoyable activities as a reward. Engaging in activities like reading a book, watching TV, going for a coffee, or cooking, if it brings relaxation, can make a significant difference in stress management.
Remember, incorporating effective stress management techniques into your routine is crucial for overall well-being and glycemic control in individuals with diabetes.
Thanks For Reading: The Impact of Stress on Blood Sugar Levels: Understanding the Link for Better Diabetes Management
By: Miranda Montgomery (Type 1 diabetic for 20+ years) Admin for Type 1 Diabetes Support Group on Facebook with 13.9 K members
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