The question of whether emotional stress and diabetes are related has been studied since the 17th century. Stress and diabetes share an intricate relationship and understanding it may be key to preventing the onset and progression of diabetes. Let’s take a closer look.
What is Diabetes?
In short, diabetes is a disorder that is characterized by an inability to control blood sugar levels.
The levels of sugar in the bloodstream must remain within a certain range for optimal functioning- anything above or below that range will lead to negative consequences. Maintenance within the range is governed primarily by a hormone called insulin. Insulin is produced in the pancreas, and after meals (especially those high in carbohydrates and sugar) it’s released into the bloodstream where it signals cells to take up sugar from the blood.
Several different factors, including genetics, diet, and stress, may cause a disruption in the insulin system leading to insulin resistance- a state wherein cells no longer respond to insulin’s signal and the levels of sugar in the blood increase. This sets the stage for the onset of type 2 diabetes (the most common type), wherein blood sugar levels are too high [R].
Rates of type 2 diabetes have consistently increased in the past decades, in parallel with obesity, but another significant factor is stress.
What is Stress?
We’ve all experienced it- a racing heart, shaking, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, dry mouth. These are some of the symptoms we may associate with the feeling of stress.
Stress is an instinctive experience designed to help us react to situations that need a response. It keeps us alert, motivated, and ready to avoid danger. Acute stress (stress for a short period) is a process that has protective effects and is actually meant to help us. However, chronic stress, which is the stress we experience for a long period of time, leads to damaging effects to the body and a greater risk of developing several conditions [R, R].
How is Stress Related to Diabetes?
Stress, along with its intricate biological process, meddles with the body’s equilibrium in various ways, some of which have an effect on the onset of diabetes.
When we’re in a stressful situation (be it real or perceived), the brain signals the body to release high levels of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol then has a wide range of effects on the body including the disruption of insulin and a subsequent rise in blood sugar levels [R].
In addition, stress may be related to diabetes through the immune system. Interestingly, one study found that chronic emotional stress triggered a particular immune system response that was similar to one that is involved in the development of type 2 diabetes [R, R].
Stress also affects lifestyle factors. More specifically, high levels of stress have been linked to unhealthy habits such as a poor-quality diet, low or high exercise levels, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption- all of which are also known to increase the risk of developing diabetes.
All these factors accumulate into a strong influence on the body’s blood sugar levels. If you are looking to manage some of your stress during this crazy time, try adding more minerals to your diet through foods like Celtic sea salt and bone broth. Naturally salty food items like dulse, and kelp noodles help your body to recover from chronic stress. Additionally, you can implement supplements like this Stress Resistance Complex. Remember the simple things - deep breathing, 8-9 hours of sleep every night, and taking time to chew and slow down the pace at mealtime will all help your body cope with and mange the effects of stress.
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