How Does Stress Affect Blood Sugar Levels In Type II Dm?
Medically Reviewed by Dr Chandana, MBBS , MS
Table of Contents
ToggleIntroduction
- Stress can significantly affect blood sugar levels in individuals with type II diabetes.
- Stress can be acute or chronic.
- Glucocorticoids (GC) and Catecholamines are the main hormonal response to stress, in the long run they lead to disturbed glucose homeostasis further leading to hyperglycemia (↑Blood sugars levels) ,thus leading to insulin resistance and type II DM.
- The primary regulator of glucose uptake is (GLUT-4) Glucose transporter type-4 seen in muscle.
- In the presence of glucocorticoids, GLUT-4 translocation to the cell surface in response to insulin is blocked, causing an increase in blood glucose levels in our body.
The stress levels affect blood sugars in individual with type II DM like
1. Hormonal Response:
When our body is under physical stress like illness, mental anxiety, or work pressure, it causes the release of stress hormone “cortisol” causing ATP availability by increasing the blood sugar levels.
2. Insulin Resistance :
Insulin is the hormone which is secreted by 𝛃-cells of pancreas from Islets of Langerhans, absorbs glucose directly from bloodstream and stress makes your body less sensitive to insulin causing spike in blood sugar levels due to improper use of glucose leading to increased blood sugars levels in our body.
3. Behavioral changes:
Stress may lead to overeating, eating foods high in carbohydrates, sugars, junk foods and highly processed food and lack of physical activity or sedentary lifestyle which further causes raise in blood sugar levels.
4. Long term stress :
Long term stress can persistently increase the blood glucose levels elevated and degrading the condition potentially leading to increase in blood sugar levels.
Preventing stress
It involves combination of lifestyle changes and self care practices mainly include
- Regular exercise or Regular physical activity.
- Mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation.
- Healthy staple diet.
- Adequate amount of sleep.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Positive attitude and optimism.
- Engaging in self interest and hobbies of your own choice that makes you feel better.