Stress is a word we hear quite often. We experience it in our daily lives, whether it be through work, personal or family-related situations. We oftentimes find ourselves commenting “I’m stressed,” but few of us know exactly how stress affects us, both mentally and physically. For someone with a diagnosis of diabetes, it is extremely important to be aware of how stress can have direct and indirect effects on glucose levels. Those who want to test their blood glucose (sugar) levels from the convenience of their home or while traveling may consider using diabetes testing strips.
Stress and anxiety can invoke negative emotions, which can lead to an increase in fatigue and forgetfulness. This can be troublesome when you need to remember to take insulin and regularly check your blood sugar levels. Luckily, there are solutions to this. Using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system allows you to monitor glucose trends in between finger sticks. And some insulin pumps now have integrated CGM technology, such as the new t:slim G4 Pump, meaning you don’t have to remember to carry a separate receiver. This kind of integrated technology gives you one less thing to worry about, which is good news since stress can trigger sugar cravings, which can lead to compulsive and excessive eating. A recent study done by the University of California, Davis, revealed that sugar intake during times of stress reduces the hormone cortisol and, therefore, the brain’s stress response, which is concerning for those trying to manage their glucose levels. Lead author of the experiment, Kevin D. Laugero, expressed, “The concern is psychological or emotional stress could trigger the habitual over-consumption of sugar”.
Research has shown that stress management improves long-term glycemic control with individuals diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes. We emphasize caring for our physical selves a great deal, but it is just as important to engage in good mental health practices. Luckily, stress management helps us with both. Men with type 2 diabetes may also experience erectile dysfunction and it may be aggravated by stress. Hence, they may look for an effective ed treatment and a few activities that can help manage stress.
These stress management techniques will help you get a head start on a healthy stress management routine and allow you to take control of how you react to what is going on around you. If you need help dealing with high stress levels, learn more at this post about what is cognitive behavioural therapy?
Be aware of what makes you stressed and how you react to stress. Awareness will keep you tuned-in to your thoughts and how you’re feeling physically as well as give you clues to when you need to start practicing stress management. To help you with this, try answering these questions: What kinds of situations make me feel stressed? How do I feel when I am stressed? How do my thoughts and behaviors change when I’m stressed?
Change your attitude towards stress. Get friendly with stress. A study conducted throughout the course of 8 years, showed that, “Both higher levels of reported stress and the perception that stress affects health were independently associated with an increased likelihood of worse health and mental health outcomes”.
Seek support. When our bodies trigger the stress response, oxytocin is released. In this situation, the hormone is urging us to seek social contact for support. By engaging in dialogue and social connection, we initiate a decrease in anxiety and stress.
Meditate. Meditation has long been viewed as a great stress relief technique. There are numerous forms of meditation. Pick the one that best fits your needs.
Practice some form of exercise. Get your body moving. Exercise does not have to mean something rigorous. Going on a walk is sufficient to trigger relaxation.
Breathe. Deep breathing has been shown to maximize the amount of oxygen that your body receives, promoting stress release and a sense of calm.
Laugh…a lot. Don’t let stress take away the joyful moments in life. A good hearty laugh gets praise for its positive effects on our body’s response to stress.
Be proactive in your stress management. Having a daily routine will give you a greater sense of control of the world around you, and will better equip you to face the curveballs life may throw you.
If you’re concerned that your stress is affecting your ability to effectively manage your diabetes, consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.
