Our physical and emotional state is often associated with stress. Both of these factors can trigger body dysfunctions.

Stress can impact our blood glucose levels negatively. Gradually, it can contribute to a condition called diabetes. But how does this happen?

Once our body is under stress, it releases a hormone called cortisol. Secretion of this hormone decreases the body’s ability to produce insulin. It is important to know that without enough supply of insulin, the sugar build-up in the bloodstream becomes uncontrollable. This process triggers diabetes.

Here are the signs of being stressed:

• Mild to severe headaches
• Pain in the muscles
• Unstable sleeping pattern
• Extreme weakness

Stress doesn’t directly trigger diabetes. However, certain factors can trigger emotional drain causing our blood glucose to spike.

Stress is also linked with your general lifestyle routine or sudden lifestyle changes. These habits include:

• Observing a poor diet
• Inability to exercise
• Smoking addiction
• Consumption of excessive alcohol

Stress also negatively impacts our immune system. If it’s already a chronic condition, it can weaken our immune system, making us susceptible to other health complications.

Here are some of the best practices that you must follow to reduce this emotional drain and stay healthy.

• Follow your treatment and always eat on time.
• Enroll in yoga, meditation or any other activity that can train you to relax and be calm during stress.
• Exercise daily. Doing so can relieve your negative emotions. Additionally, sweating can also keep your body healthy and in shape.
• Discuss how you are coping with stress together with your doctor. Also, ask for other ways to handle your condition while also managing your diabetes.
• Join support groups. You will meet other diabetic individuals who have a hard time managing their condition. These groups will give you the platform to exchange experiences and ideas.
• Talk with a therapist. If you are not confident in speaking with your doctor, discuss your situation with your therapist. This will provide you with a safe space to discuss your illness.

Takeaway

After a diabetes diagnosis, you will be handling other challenges besides controlling your blood glucose. These challenges involve your physical, emotional, and mental health. While these may seem very overwhelming, these are only disputes that you can handle as long as you are willing to. Always remember to become proactive when handling these things.