Stress is no small issues, especially in those with diabetes. With people getting busier, even more rushed and irritated this is definitely something to keep an eye on. Whether its counting back from 10 slowly, 10 deep breaths or just removing yourself from a stressful situation, its best to consider a strategy to lower your stress levels as they are affecting your health and blood sugar.

From the ADA: (http://www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/stress.jsp)

“In people with diabetes, stress can alter blood glucose levels. It does this in two ways. First, people under stress may not take good care of themselves. They may drink more alcohol or exercise less. They may forget, or not have time, to check their glucose levels or plan good meals. Second, stress hormones may also alter blood glucose levels directly.

Scientists have studied the effects of stress on glucose levels in animals and people. Diabetic mice under physical or mental stress have elevated glucose levels. The effects in people with type 1 diabetes are more mixed. While most people’s glucose levels go up with mental stress, others’ glucose levels can go down. In people with type 2 diabetes, mental stress often raises blood glucose levels. Stress blocks the body from releasing insulin in people with type 2 diabetes. Many long-term sources of stress are mental. Your mind sometimes reacts to a nondangerous event as if it were a real threat. Like physical stress, mental stress can be short term – from taking a test to getting stuck in a traffic jam. It can also be long term: from working for a demanding boss to taking care of an aging parent. In mental stress, the body pumps out hormones to no vail.”

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This entry was posted on Thursday, May 11th, 2006 at 6:26 am and is filed under Diabetes News, Glucose Management, Treatment.
Tags: Diabetes Health, Diabetes Stress, Diabetic Stress, Stress and Blood Glucose Levels, Stress with Diabetes.
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