Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body either does not make enough insulin or is unable to use it properly. When you eat, your body breaks down the food into glucose, or blood sugar. Glucose is then used by the cells for fuel, but insulin must be present for your body to utilize glucose properly, leading to high glucose levels. Over time, high levels of blood sugar can cause serious damage. Diabetes can often be controlled with lifestyle changes, including managing your stress levels.
Diabetes Factors
Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed during adulthood. Close to 90 percent of all cases of diabetes are Type 2. While you may be genetically predisposed to developing Type 2 diabetes, it can also be caused by poor lifestyle choices. In contrast, the right lifestyle choices can help to manage and in some cases prevent diabetes. Diabetes that is left untreated can cause heart disease, blindness, nerve damage to all areas of the body and may even lead to amputations.
Stress Factors
Stress occurs when you are in a situation that you feel you can not control or that overwhelms you. Stress can occur due to an illness, financial difficulties or problems at work or home. You can also become stressed when getting married, receiving a job promotion or buying a new home. Stress is not necessarily associated with a negative event. When your brain receives signals that you are worried, stressed or emotional it prepares your body to fight or flee, heightening some body functions and slowing others.
Function
When your body initiates the stress response it requires more glucose so it can respond. If you have diabetes your body may not get the fuel it needs because it can not use the additional glucose. Your blood sugar can start to build to dangerous levels. When you feel stressed you are more likely to stop exercising, eat unhealthy foods, smoke, drink or skip testing yourself, notes the Mayo Clinic. All of the above can make your diabetes worse.
Prevention/Solution
Identify your stress triggers and as much as possible reduce your exposure to them. If you are going through a major life change, talk with others who can assist you in making a smooth transition and help with any difficulties. Tell others what you need to do to take care of yourself and your diabetes. Set limits and let people know what they are. Explain to others how stress makes your diabetes worse. If you are in situations you can not control, change your outlook; you may not be able to change the fact that you are stuck in traffic but you can choose to not get upset.
Techniques
Exercise and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet as part of your stress management plan. This will keep your body strong and better able to deal with challenges. Learn a relaxation skill, such as sitting still or lying down and focusing on your breath or a calming word. You can use guided imagery, a technique in which you picture yourself in a peaceful atmosphere. You can also use guided imagery to visualize your body producing insulin and using glucose correctly. Gentle forms of movement such as tai chi and yoga can teach you to meditate while moving. Even taking a walk, bike ride or swim can be a form of mediation if you focus fully on your activity instead of allowing your mind to wander while you work out.
