According to a WHO report, Diabetes is a growing challenge in India with an estimated 8.7% diabetic population in the age group of 20 and 70 years. The rising prevalence of diabetes is due to a combination of factors – rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, stress, and self-medication. Stress and Obesity are the most common risk factors responsible for diabetes.
The diabetes burden can be prevented or delayed by behavioral changes favoring a healthy diet, stress management, and regular exercise.
Diabetes and Stress: How are they linked?
Managing Diabetes is a lifelong process, this can definitely add additional stress to daily life. Research suggests that stress can be a major roadblock in effectively managing glucose levels. Stress hormones in our body directly affect the glucose levels, eg. if you are undergoing a stressful event in your life or feeling threatened, the body reacts. This is known as the fight-or-flight response. This elevates the hormone levels and leads your nerve cells to fire.
During this entire process, your body releases hormones called cortisol and adrenaline into your bloodstream due to which the respiratory rate increases. Your body pushes blood to the limbs and muscles, which helps you to fight the situation. If you are Diabetic your body may not be able to process the glucose released by your firing nerve cells. If glucose is not converted into energy, it builds up in the bloodstream which causes a rise in the blood glucose levels.
A constant stressful lifestyle and Diabetes can also wear you down physically and mentally. This may make managing diabetes more difficult.
Ways to Manage Stress and Diabetes
It is definitely possible to lessen the stressors in your life which can help you manage the blood glucose levels also. Here are a few things that you can do to manage the effects of stress.
- Reducing mental stress through meditation. It will help you remove negative thoughts and allow your mind to relax.
- Reduce the emotional stress by taking counseling sessions, or participating in laughter therapy classes.
- Add yoga in your routine, it will not only help you reduce the mental and emotional stress but also physical stress.
- Have an active lifestyle, go for morning walks and stay connected with your family and friends. This is the best way to combat stress.
Diabetes can present a different set of challenges, it is possible to manage it and lead a happy and healthy life. Look for some diabetes support groups and find one that best suits your lifestyle and needs. If nothing works, seek medical advice from a Diabetologist or Diabetes Educator who will help you combat the issues of stress and diabetes.
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