Did you know that stress has a major impact on your diabetes?
Our bodies work very hard to help us manage stress. The body’s reaction to stress is the “flight or fight” response. During this response, hormones such as epinephrine, adrenaline and cortisol are released. In addition; the liver produces glucose to raise blood sugar for the needed energy. In most acute states of stress you may experience rapid heartbeat or shakiness. Because stress generally keeps our blood sugar levels relatively high, diabetics have more of a challenge with blood sugar and stress than the non-diabetic.
Both physical and emotional stress creates this response. Unfortunately, many of us are inundated by chronic stress, which may last for days, weeks or even months. The same “fight or flight” response occurs with chronic stress. The problem is that our worries and anxieties keep this reaction continuous for long periods of time, thereby keeping blood sugars elevated longer. It is important to identify when stress hormones are elevated and notice the symptoms.
In addition, people under stress often neglect their needs; such as eating imbalanced meals, consuming alcohol, and exercising less. They may also forget to check their blood sugar levels or take their medications.
Become in tune to your level of stress. It may be a good idea to document your stress level in a journal every time you check your blood sugar or you may use a glucose meter that has the ability to let you enter data. When you begin to record your blood sugar along with stress levels regularly you’ll soon identify what stressors are affecting your diabetes. You will soon see a pattern that high glucose occurs with high stress and low glucose levels with lowered stress. Learning how to relax to manage your stress can help manage your diabetes.
Some ways to help you relax:
- Breathing exercises
- Writing in a journal
- Progressive relaxation therapy ~ music, audio
- Exercise
- Meditation or positive thinking
However you choose to relax, carry it out daily. Make yourself a priority and just do it. Remember, you deserve it!
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