The Stress Effect
Feeling stressed? If you are, keep in mind that stress can affect your blood glucose in two different ways. First, stress can have a direct, immediate effect on your blood glucose levels. Most people who notice this effect say that stress pushes their blood glucoses up, but a few say that stress does the opposite, driving it down.
Second, stress can also have a long-term, indirect effect on blood
glucose. Most people who have diabetes experience this at some point in their lives. Stress can make you feel overwhelmed and exhausted. If you feel this way, you’re less likely to take care of yourself and your diabetes. You may ignore your healthy eating plan or forget to exercise or generally do less to manage your diabetes. All of these factors can lead to higher blood glucose levels.
Remember, your mind and your body are closely connected. Keeping one healthy helps the other. Talk to your diabetes care team about coping with stress so you’ll stay healthy inside and out.
B-man 