Taming Type 2 Diabetes

Image by BLW Photography via Flickr

Let’s face it: Having diabetes can cause stress. But did you know that it can work the other way, too? Did you know that stress can affect your diabetes?

In this post, I’ve got a little information for you on the nature of stress and its relationship to diabetes. And I’ve got some tips for you on how to both manage your stress and manage your diabetes.

Stress is everywhere. There’s the physical stress of injury and illness, and there’s the mental stress that can be caused by problems in, for example, you job, health, finances, or relationships. Regardless of the type of stress, the body responds to it by preparing for action.

When the body “prepares for action,” it doesn’t prepare you to respond to modern problems like work deadlines and rush-hour traffic, it prepares you to respond to the needs a caveman might have had when facing a threatening animal. It prepares you for “fight or flight.”

When the body prepares for fight or flight, the levels of some hormones shoot up. The effect of this is to make stored energy (glucose and fat) available to the cells so that they can function at their best. But if you have diabetes, this may not work all that well for you. Since your insulin isn’t always available to help you get that extra burst of extra energy, the glucose just piles up in your blood.

So what can you do? Well, unfortunately, there is probably no real way to escape stress, but, fortunately, you might be able to find ways to reduce and manage it.

Coping

Take a look at the sources of your stress. How do you cope with them? If you are the type of person who can accept a problem (“Maybe it’s not that bad.”) or if you’re a problem solver (“How can I eliminate or fix this problem?”), you’re ahead of the game. People who cope with either of these ways experience less elevation in their glucose levels when under stress.

If coping these ways isn’t your strength, don’t bottle things up. Talk to a friend or family member or work with a professional equipped to provide you with support and insight into your situation.

Relaxing

Many people with type 2 diabetes, find relaxation therapy helpful for controlling stress and its effect on blood sugar. To help yourself relax, try both physical and breathing exercises, progressive relaxation therapy, positive thinking, and/or prayer. Give yourself a few weeks to develop which ever technique(s) you choose to experience the full benefits.

Distraction

Take you mind off of your situation and get some perspective on it by focusing your attention on other things. Find a hobby or social group. Take a course or learn a new skill. Remember that nothing is forever and make plans.

Final Note

One thing that many people tend to do when under stress is ignore their health. If you have type 2 diabetes, be aware and don’t let your routines slip. Check your blood sugar, eat right, and exercise.