How stress affects diabetes

When people live through stressful situations, their bodies show different types of responses. This process is called the fight-or-flight response, and it starts whenever there is a trigger that causes stress hormones release and an increase of glucose in the blood.

Naturally, if a person suffers from diabetes of any type, they need to constantly keep track of their glucose levels; otherwise, the condition can worsen.

Below you will find stress symptoms, learn how they affect diabetes, and see how you can cope with the situation if you face it.

Stress symptoms

The symptoms of stress fall into physical and mental ones. Sometimes you may not even realize that you are under stress, but these will help you understand the situation better.

Physical symptoms of stress include:

• Lack of sleep
• Tense muscles
• Headaches
• Constant feeling of being tired

As for the mental symptoms, they are the following:

• People feel a lack of motivation
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Feeling irritated at things

It is also common for those under stress to excessively consume alcohol or tobacco, burst with anger, change eating habits, and stay detached from their nearest and dearest.

The effect stress has on diabetes

Regardless of the diabetes type, stress has a direct impact on the course of the disease. In most cases, stress affects glucose levels and can make them either go up or down.

What is more, blood sugar levels can also fluctuate because of injuries or concomitant diseases. For this reason, it is recommended to constantly check health indicators related to having diabetes so that you know for sure what causes changes in your body.

You should also monitor your heart rate and blood pressure since stress hormones can badly influence them, and, together with diabetes, you may experience more symptoms that could potentially harm your health.

Ways to fight stress if you have diabetes

First and foremost, you should realize that you are not alone in suffering from this condition. That is why getting in touch with people who have the same medical condition can be the first step to helping you solve the problem.

Here are some other methods to help you cope with stress:

• Therapy

A good therapist knows exactly how to deal with your particular case and can advise specific techniques to help you fight stress. Therapists will make you feel relaxed, and you should not be nervous or anxious to share your feelings.

• Online communities

Check out some online resources that unite people with diabetes. Perhaps, there is someone you have not known before who can provide you with valuable advice based on their own experience

• Face-to-face support groups

These groups exist throughout the country and have regular meetups to provide the necessary support to those diagnosed with diabetes.