Stress and diabetes
We all have stress – at work, at home and on the road - and it can have a lasting impact on your overall health if not managed. Hormones from stress increase your blood pressure, raise your heart rate, and can cause blood sugar to rise. Stress may contribute to poor health behavior linked to increased risk for heart disease and stroke, such as smoking, overeating, lack of physical activity or unhealthy diet.
Chronic stress can keep you from feeling and performing your best – mentally, physically and emotionally. But no one’s life is completely stress-free so it’s important to know how to manage the stress in your life. Keeping stress under control can help you control your diabetes.
What's chronic stress
Chronic stress is when stress is constant and your body is in high gear off and on for days or weeks at a time. Chronic stress may lead to high blood pressure, which can increase risk for heart attack and stroke.
Can managing stress reduce or prevent hear disease?
Managing stress is good for your health and well-being. Negative psychological health / mental health is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. But positive psychological health is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and death.
What can I do about stress?
Fortunately, you can manage stress in many ways. Be it by engaging in a physical exercise or trying meditation, there are many choices how to reduce stress in your life. Try any of these activities and see which ones works for you:
- Exercising regularly. It can relieve stress, tension, anxiety and depression. Consider a nature walk, meditation or yoga.
- Making time for friends and family. It’s important to maintain social connections and talk with people you trust.
- Getting enough sleep. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours a night.
- Maintaining a positive attitude. Stay away from stress triggers and focus on activities that make you happy.
- Practicing relaxation techniques while listening to music.
- Finding a stimulating hobby that can be fun and distract you from negative thoughts or worries.
Figuring out how stress pushes your buttons is an important step in dealing with it. Identify sources of stress in your life and look for ways to reduce and manage them. A health care professional can help you find ways to manage your stress.
Source: American Heart Association and the Cleveland Clinic
Nothing in this article should be considered medical advice. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. In a case of medical emergency call 911.