Diabetes management in a rapidly developing city like Coimbatore cannot be limited to monitoring blood sugar. Stress is one such factor that can play a vital role in diabetes management largely due to factors.

How stress affects the blood sugar of diabetic patients:

When one is under stress, hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline will be released into one’s body leading to an increase in the blood sugar levels. For those people who have diabetes, this poses a challenge in controlling glucose levels, causing complications.

Sources of Stress

• Work-Life Balance: Long hours, tight deadlines, and the constant pressure to perform can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
• Family Responsibilities: Caring for children, aging parents, and managing household chores can be overwhelming.
• Financial Concerns: Job insecurity, rising costs, and debt can create significant stress.
• Health Concerns: Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, can be a source of stress and anxiety.

Chronic stress also severely increases the risk of diabetes complications

• Poor blood sugar control: It was found in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism that type 2 diabetes patients under chronic stress have more elevated HbA1c levels, showing they had poor blood sugar control.
• The increase in the likelihood of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: Chronic stress may, in fact, increase about 45% risk for development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Worse complications like retinopathy in preexisting diabetes: It was found in the Journal of Diabetes Research that chronic stress led to an increased risk of development of diabetic retinopathy in diabetes patients.

Reversing Stress Associated with Diabetes

Eliminating stress is important not only for the management of diabetes but also for avoiding the blood sugar elevations and the comorbidities associated with diabetes.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular mindfulness practice can help reduce cortisol levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Yoga:Yoga combines physical movement with deep breathing and meditation techniques, which can help reduce stress and improve blood sugar control.
• Healthy Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help reduce stress and improve overall health.
• Seek Social Support: Connect with friends, family, or a support group to share your experiences and receive emotional support.

Try These Stress-Reducing Techniques

1. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique: breathe in through your nose for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 7, and breathe out through your mouth for a count of 8. This can help calm your nervous system and reduce stress.
2. Schedule stress-reducing activities into your daily routine, such as a 10-minute meditation session or a 30-minute walk outside. This can help you stay focused and manage stress more effectively.
3. Use a stress journal to track your stress levels and identify patterns. This can help you pinpoint areas where you need to make changes and develop strategies to manage stress more effectively.

Give away your worries on Stress and Diabetes Management to Ishwarya, the best diabetes hospital.

At Ishwarya Diabetic Hospital, you will find a total care package that incorporates multiple dimensions including emotional health and drug management of diabetes.