Understanding the link between diabetes and stress

Stress has become a byproduct of our lifestyles these days. Considered a normal reaction, stress can have various physical and mental effects, including elevated blood glucose levels. On its own, stress cannot cause diabetes, however, some evidence suggests that excessive and chronic stress can increase the risk of developing the condition.

Diabetes and stress have a reciprocal relationship – experiencing stress can make managing diabetes more challenging and having diabetes may contribute to elevated stress levels. So, we turned to experts to know how one condition affects the diagnosis and treatment of the other.

Connection between stress and diabetes

Talking about the issue, Dr Arbinder, Co-founder & CEO, Fitterfly said, “In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an inherent part of our daily lives. There are numerous sources of stress that can manifest as emotional responses like fear or anger, as well as physical reactions such as sweating and an accelerated heart rate, or a combination of both. It can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels, causing them to spike due to cortisol release.”

At the same time, he said that people with diabetes have a 20 per cent higher likelihood of experiencing stress as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Similarly, Dr Vishal Sehgal, President, Portea Medical, said that chronic stress can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, making it more difficult to manage diabetes.

Adding to this, Dr Arbinder mentioned that other than commonly recognised mental health issues, a phenomenon called diabetes distress is prevalent among individuals with diabetes. “Approximately 33 per cent to 50 per cent of people with diabetes experience this condition. Diabetes distress encompasses emotional and psychological disturbances directly associated with the management of the condition. People with diabetes often experience worries about controlling their blood sugar, fear of hypoglycaemia, concerns about long-term complications, and the pressure of continuous self-monitoring. These factors can generate significant distress and hinder adherence to diabetes management efforts,” he added.

Can reducing stress help manage diabetes?

It is crucial to incorporate mental healthcare and stress management into diabetes management programs to ensure comprehensive care and improved outcomes. (Source: Freepik)

By reducing stress through various techniques, Dr Sehgal said that diabetes patients can improve their blood sugar control. “Relaxation exercises, mindfulness, physical activity, and social support can help manage diabetes. Quality sleep is also essential for maintaining glucose metabolism and reducing insulin sensitivity. When inadequate sleep is combined with stress and other lifestyle issues, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus,” he noted.

In a similar vein, Dr Arbinder said, “Engaging in physical activity, such as taking regular walks, has been shown to calm the mind, and its positive effects can endure for hours. Mindfulness activities, such as meditation or yoga, offer significant relaxation and stress reduction. Additionally, regulating food intake and focusing on a healthy diet, as well as ensuring adequate sleep, are highly effective tips for managing stress and diabetes.”