Dietitians explained that chronic stress poses the greatest danger, which can seriously harm health.
Stress is not only a state of mind but also an experience that encompasses the entire body. When a person is in a state of stress, all major systems of the body are activated. This is why we feel such a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms, writes EatingWell.
The article notes that acute stress, which a person may experience if, for example, they forget their keys or prepare for a public speaking engagement, is a normal and inevitable part of life, but chronic stress can negatively impact a person's health.
Most people are likely familiar with the physical symptoms of stress: digestive issues, headaches, or a feeling of a racing heart. However, there are other signs that may be less obvious.
For instance, people with diabetes may notice that during periods of stress, they also find it harder to maintain their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Dietitians explained to the publication how stress can affect blood sugar levels and shared the best ways to manage both factors.
It is noted that when stress becomes the norm, this condition negatively affects blood sugar levels in the following three ways:
1. Causes Hormone Release
Although stress is not a new phenomenon, our body's built-in response to stress has not evolved alongside modern life. For example, the body reacts to stress related to an impending work deadline in the same way it would if you were fleeing from a predator.
Dietitian Vandana Sheth stated in the medical journal Cureus that this response triggers the release of large amounts of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. As a result, blood sugar levels may rise, and the function of insulin—the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels—may become impaired.
In cases of accumulated stress and regular hormonal spikes, long-term issues with blood sugar levels may arise. In the case of chronically high cortisol levels, the body may accumulate more visceral fat in the abdominal area.
Dietitian Kimberly Rose-Francis shared in an article for the journal EXCLI that this condition, known as insulin resistance, can subsequently raise blood sugar levels and increase the likelihood of developing conditions such as obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes.
2. Sleep Problems
Due to stress, a person may toss and turn all night without falling asleep, feeling tired and stressed the next day. Research from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine indicates that nearly 75% of people report that stress sometimes, often, or always interferes with their sleep. Unfortunately, poor sleep and stress can also negatively affect blood sugar levels.
3. Possible Emotional Overeating
Overeating is a common coping mechanism for stress for many of us. Typically, in such cases, a person chooses not salads or smoothies, which are low in calories, but sweet or carbohydrate-rich foods, particularly ice cream, cookies, or chips.
It is emphasized that there is also a biological component to why people crave such foods when stressed. Cortisol is released during stress, which not only contributes to insulin resistance but can also increase hunger and the desire for calorie-dense foods.
Dietitians note that habits such as getting enough sleep, physical activity, and engaging in favorite hobbies are effective strategies for combating stress, which contributes to improved health, well-being, and blood sugar levels in the long term.
