The power of stress is often underestimated. Stress can be both helpful and detrimental. Stress gives us the energy and focus we need in critical situations. It fuels our “fight or flight” response. But if one lives with stress for too long, it can take a physical and emotional toll.
Additionally, when one has any form of diabetes, stress adds a whole new layer to blood sugar management. Stress causes the liver to release stored glucose and blood sugar levels will rise.
Examples of Stress
| Physiological | Emotional |
| Illness | Loss of a loved one |
| Injury | Taking an exam |
| Headache | Fighting with best friend |
| Menstrual cycle | Too many obligations |
| Pain | Scary movie |
| Infection | Public speaking |
| Fear | |
| Excitement |
Emotional stress and physiological stress cause the body to secrete stress hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol into the bloodstream. When these hormone levels rise, the liver is then signaled to break down its glycogen stores which in turn release glucose to the bloodstream.
For those without diabetes, the stress-induced blood sugar rise is followed by an increase in insulin secretion, so the blood sugar rise is modest and temporary. For those with any form of diabetes, however, stress can cause a significant and prolonged increase in blood sugar levels.
Read more here for tips on how to manage stress and different forms of diabetes.
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