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Living with Diabetes
Stress and Diabetes
Stress and emotions affect everyone in some way or another. For patients with diabetes mellitus, the response to stress is especially important. If stress results in a negative reaction or is chronic, patients may want to look at what triggers stress, how it is handled, and where changes can be made.
Stress and feelings like denial, frustration, anger and depression are not always bad. Negative emotions and painful feelings are clues that something is wrong. Many newly diagnosed patients with diabetes may feel sad, angry, scared, or may even deny that they have diabetes. Even making positive changes to manage diabetes may initially cause stress until the changes become incorporated into a new routine or lifestyle. People who have had diabetes for many years may be tired of taking care of their diabetes and may also feel angry.
How do emotions and stress affect diabetes?
Stress and emotions can affect the blood glucose level and cause it to rise. When the body is faced with an emotional situation or stress, several things happen. The body responds to stress by releasing hormones, such as glucagon, cortisol and adrenalin, all of which act to raise blood sugar levels. As a result of this increase in blood glucose, you may be further “stressed” because you cannot get your diabetes under control. Stress and emotions that are causing problems with your diabetes control are clues that you may need help in managing or reducing your stress level.
How can I reduce my stress level?
Trying to approach stress in a positive way will help you better manage your diabetes. Here are some tips that may help you reduce stress:
