When we think of diabetes reasons, we generally think of hereditary factors (family history), overeating, or a lack of exercise, which leads to obesity. While this is true, we sometimes overlook one major cause of diabetes: stress. A physical, physiological, or emotional condition that generates physical or mental strain and may be a factor in disease causation is classified as stress. Diabetes is one of the many diseases that may be caused or exacerbated by stress.
In this article, we’ll look at how stress impacts blood sugar levels. We also look at the evidence on the main strategy for diabetics to manage stress.
Stress Impact On Blood Sugar & Diabetes
Since the 17th century, researchers have been debating the possibility of a relationship between diabetes and stress. According to recent research, those who suffer from depression and anxiety are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. According to a 2010 research article, those who suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, or a combination of these diseases are more likely to develop diabetes.
The researchers discovered that a person’s chance of developing diabetes can be increased by a number of conditions including:
- Tragic or Unpleasant Life Events
- Emotional Stress
- Anger and Hatred
- Work-related Stress
- Poor Sleep
These are only theories about how stress affects diabetes. Some experts have even discovered conflicting data linking diabetes and stress. For these reasons, researchers must continue to investigate these two disorders to see if and how they are linked.
In the sections that follow, we go through these three aspects in further depth:
Stress Effects On Lifestyle Elements
High amount of anxiety might cause a person to adopt unhealthy lifestyle patterns. These lifestyle choices can raise a person’s chances of having diabetes. Here are a few examples:
- Poor Diet
- Lack Of Physical Activity
- Smoking
- Consuming High-level Of Alcohol
- Smoking
Stress Effects On Hormones
Another theory is that emotional stress might alter a person’s hormone levels, thereby interfering with how well insulin works.
Stress can cause the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system to become activated. This can result in hormonal changes such as increased cortisol levels and decreased sex hormone levels. Insulin levels are affected by the amounts of these hormones.
Cortisol is widely regarded as the stress hormone. It can also promote the creation of glucose in the body, raising blood sugar levels.
People who have abnormal hormone levels may notice an increase in their waist-to-hip ratio. A higher waist-to-hip ratio indicates that the waist is becoming larger than the hips. This is a major risk factor for diabetes and heart disease.
Stress Effects On Immune System
Chronic stress can also have an impact on the immune system. In one study, researchers discovered that a certain immune system response to persistent stress is comparable to one linked in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Final, Verdict
Diabetes patients may choose to seek stress-reduction assistance. Researchers have studied various techniques, and many agree that stress reduction improves blood glucose control.
If stress management measures are not helpful, or if a person is starting to show signs of depression, they should visit a doctor. People can manage their moods with the help of a psychotherapist or a counsellor.
Some stress-reduction tactics may be effective for some people but not for others. Stress can also have varied effects on various people. If a person has diabetes as well as chronic stress, they can try numerous stress-relieving tactics to assist control their blood sugar.
