Have you ever experienced work that was piling up and never ending? If yes, then you must be aware of the risk of excessive stress, because feelings of stress can cause various other dangerous disorders to occur. One of them is an increase in blood sugar. This disease can cause excessive blood sugar levels in the body due to problems with the pancreas.
Therefore, it is important to know other reasons why stress can trigger blood sugar to rise. This is because high blood sugar levels can cause long-term illness and everyone doesn't want to experience that. So, are stress and blood sugar related?
The Relationship between Stress and Blood Sugar
The relationship between stress and blood sugar levels has a significant impact on health, especially for individuals who are at risk of diabetes or already suffer from the condition. The following is the relationship between stress and blood sugar:
- The Body's Response to Stress
When someone experiences stress, their body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline) in response to the situation. These hormones trigger the body's mechanisms to increase energy supply by increasing blood sugar levels. They stimulate the release of glucose from the liver and accelerate the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. This is known as the " fight or flight " response, where the body prepares to face the threat of disruption of certain functions in the body. - Increased Blood Sugar Levels
Elevated blood sugar levels caused by the stress response can be problematic, especially for individuals who suffer from diabetes or are at risk for diabetes. In people with diabetes, the body's response to stress can cause difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels. Long-term high blood sugar levels can also cause complications, such as damage to body organs. - Lifestyle and Eating Habits
Stressful conditions can also affect a person's lifestyle and eating habits. People tend to respond to stress by eating a lot and uncontrollably or choosing less healthy foods, which can to some extent affect blood sugar levels. Consuming foods high in sugar or carbohydrates can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, which can then be followed by a sharp drop. This risks worsening stress conditions and causing a continuous cycle of unhealthy eating. - Impact of Blood Sugar Levels on Mood and Stress
Unstable blood sugar levels can affect a person's mood and stress levels. Rises and falls in blood sugar can cause drastic changes in mood, such as fatigue, irritability, or restlessness. This can create a circular cycle where high stress levels affect blood sugar levels, which in turn can affect stress levels further. - Stress Management and Control of Blood Sugar Levels
To manage the relationship between stress and blood sugar levels, it is important to adopt healthy stress management strategies and a balanced lifestyle. This includes regular exercise, relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet. People with diabetes should closely monitor their blood sugar levels and consult a health professional about how to manage stress safely.
By understanding the complex relationship between stress and blood sugar levels, we become more aware of the importance of maintaining mental and physical balance in everyday life. Stress is a natural part of life, but it can be dangerous if not managed properly, especially when it comes to healthy blood sugar. If you want to have a consultation, regular check-up, are experiencing problems with diabetes or other diseases, we are ready to provide the best health services for you.
Article written by dr. Roi P. Sibarani, SpPD-KEMD, FES (Internal Medicine Specialist - Endocrine, Metabolic & Diabetes Consultant, EMC Sentul Hospital).