Diabetes warning: Know how stress can affect your blood sugar levels; doctor shares tips to manage

While stress is an unavoidable part of life, diabetic people are particularly vulnerable to it. Stress can trigger blood sugar changes, which can lead to further difficulties for diabetic patients. Dr. G. Krishna Mohan Reddy, senior consultant physician and diabetologist at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad, discussed how stress might influence diabetes patients.

When stressed, the body releases chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones raise blood sugar levels by causing the liver to release more glucose into the bloodstream. Stress is typically associated with higher blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This is because stress hormones can make the body more resistant to insulin, reducing glucose uptake by cells.

Stress can lead to unanticipated blood sugar changes in people with type 1 diabetes. Some may perceive rises, while others see decreases, making management more difficult.