When we are under stress, the body releases hormones that increase blood glucose levels. This can cause adverse symptoms in people with diabetes.
If you experience stress or feel threatened, your body reacts with the fight-or-flight response. During this response, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream increasing respiratory rates. This can also increase blood glucose levels if the body can’t adequately process it.
Stress affects people differently. The type of stress that people experience can impact their body’s physical response.
When people with type 2 diabetes are under mental stress, they can experience an increase in their blood glucose levels. People who have type 1 diabetes may have a more varied response as they experience either an increase or decrease in their blood glucose levels.
Mental symptoms of stress include:
- Feeling unmotivated
- Feeling irritable
- Feeling depressed
- Feeling restless
- Feeling anxious
When you are under physical stress, your blood sugar can also increase. This can happen due to sickness or injury. This affects people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Physical symptoms of stress include:
- Headaches
- Muscle pain or tension
- Sleeping too much or too little
- General feelings of illness
- Fatigue
There are several ways to manage the effects of different forms of stress which could help lessen or limit the stressors in your life, including:
- Exercising regularly
- Practicing relaxing activities such as yoga or tai chi
- Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation
- Avoiding known stressors, such as high-stress social situations
- Reducing caffeine intake
- Spending time with loved ones
If you are feeling stressed, you can also connect with people online or in your community for solidarity and support by:
- Joining an online support group
- Joining an in-person support group
- Seeking therapy
If mental or physical stress symptoms are affecting your diabetes, you can schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.